DR. WALLACE: I have a slight complexion problem. It started six months ago and for the past three months it hasn't gotten any better. I'd like to see a dermatologist, but my dad thinks that isn't necessary and that, in time, my face will clear up without medical attention.

How long will it take for me to have a clear complexion once again? — Nameless, Goshen, Ind.

NAMELESS: It's true that most teens outgrow complexion problems, but the time period is from one to seven years. It's not worth gambling that your complexion will clear up in a year.

Encourage your parents to make an appointment to visit a dermatologist for a consultation. Medication can now dramatically improve or completely eliminate your complexion problems. The treatment, if needed, is relatively inexpensive.

I CAN'T EVEN PAY FOR A STEAK DINNER

DR. WALLACE: My parents are both in the hotel business and they want me to follow in their footsteps. They had me apply (and I was accepted) at Michigan State University because MSU has an outstanding curriculum in hotel management.

My problem is that I don't want to study hotel management. I want to be a math or science teacher, but my parents refuse to hear it. In fact, they told me if I didn't take hotel management, they would not pay for my college tuition. Since I can't even pay for a steak dinner, I either wind up in the hotel business or I don't go to college.

Right now I'm leaning toward working and forgetting about college for the near future. What would you suggest? Please hurry, I'm running out of time. — Chris, Jackson, Mich.

CHRIS: Your first two years of college will be filled with general courses that will apply to nearly all major areas of study. Take your parents' offer and attend MSU. Who knows what changes can be made in two years. Your parents could change their minds and allow you to pursue a career that you desire, not what they have planned for you.

THERE SHOULD BE NO SECRETS IN A MARRIAGE

DR. WALLACE: I'm 20 and engaged to be married to a wonderful guy who is 22. He treats me like a lady and makes me feel special when I'm with him. We haven't set a date, but we would like to get married later this year. I've told Andrew everything about my family. Already he has met my parents, sisters, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

My concern is that Andrew has told me nothing about his family. He refuses to discuss it and has said, basically, that it is no concern of mine. All my close friends and my family are telling me not to marry Andrew until he opens up about his family's history. He's so secretive that he won't even tell me where he was born. I've asked him what nationality he is and all he says is "human race." Now I'm starting to have doubts about marrying this guy. What do you think? — Nameless, Chicago, Ill.

NAMELESS: There should be no secrets in a marriage. You have the right to know the family background of the man who will be the father of your children. Call off the wedding plans until you are confident that all his secrets are out in the open.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.