PARENTS: There are about 54 million Americans who are addicted cigarette smokers, and of these 54 million, about 3 million are teenagers. For the first time, more girls than boys are smoking. Informing these teens that cigarette smoking contributes to the deaths of more than 300,000 Americans yearly doesn't seem to have much clout. At 17, a teen is concerned with the moment, not what will happen to him in 30 to 40 years.

It's a bit late to encourage teens to stop smoking. Better yet, encourage them to never start for a number of reasons, including health, fire hazard, expensive habit, and personal appearance. Chances are good that the teen will respond positively if the advice comes from a friend or loved one who is tobacco-free.

Parents, you play the major role in your teen's development. If you smoke, your teen will feel it's OK for him to start this very nasty habit. If you are a smoker, do yourself and your children a big favor — stop before it's too late!

HE'S NO KEEPER

DR. WALLACE: Tony and I had been dating for over a year and were very seriously thinking about getting married as soon as we saved up $10,000. About eight months ago, I had to move to Miami to take care of my grandmother when she became very ill. While I was in Miami, Tony and I wrote to each other every week and he would call me once a day. I thought that everything was going smoothly for us and I was shocked when one of my friends called me and said that she heard that Tony and another girl announced their wedding plans and were getting married this summer.

Of course, I called him immediately and he denied everything. He told me it was only a rumor and that I was his one true love. Then last week when I returned home to Chicago, would you believe that another friend surprised me with the announcement that she heard that Tony was getting married. And sure enough, an announcement appeared in the newspaper with a picture of Tony and his bride-to-be.

Now I'm really confused and I don't really know what to do. Please help me. I really need some advice right now. — Nameless, Chicago, Ill.

NAMELESS: Tony is an immature young man who should be concentrating his efforts on learning the meanings of honesty, integrity and loyalty, as well as improving a very low self-esteem.

Consider yourself fortunate that he is not marrying you. If his fiance is lucky, she will read this column and will stop fishing for a husband and toss this one back! He's certainly no keeper!

GET ON WITH YOUR LIFE

DR. WALLACE: I have been dating the same guy for five years, and I feel he has no intention of marrying me. We broke up six months ago, but we got back together again after he promised we would get married soon. Both of us have graduated from college. I want to marry my boyfriend because I love him very much, but I can't wait forever.

Every time I bring up the subject of marriage, he becomes extremely irritable and refuses to talk about it. All he says is that one day we'll get married. I don't want to be his girlfriend forever, but he seems perfectly satisfied with this arrangement. As far as being a boyfriend, he is great, but I want more than that.

Do you think there is any chance he will get over his commitment phobia? Or do I need to face the fact he is never going to marry me? I'm writing to you because I'm desperate for some good advice from a trained professional. — Nameless, Springfield, Ill.

NAMELESS: Treat the situation as if he is never going to marry you, and get on with your life. If he realizes he must put a ring on your finger to keep you, he will do it if he wants you to be his wife. If he doesn't, you will be well on your way to finding someone who will.

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. E-mail 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.