DR. WALLACE: Erin and I have been good friends for over three years. For her 17th birthday she had a party at her house and about 20 guys and gals showed up. During the party, she took me into her parents' bedroom to show me the gift she got them for their anniversary.

The next day Erin called and accused me of stealing one of her mother's rings when I was in the bedroom. She said if I didn't return it her father was going to have me arrested for being a thief. I was totally shocked and started crying. I didn't steal the ring. I've never stolen anything in my life. I told my parents and my mother called Erin's mother to tell her I didn't steal the ring. Her mother said I stole it and hung up.

Then yesterday, my friend called and said they found the ring on the floor behind the dresser. She apologized and said she wants to be friends again. My parents said the decision was up to me. What do you think I should do? — Nameless, Fargo, N.D.

NAMELESS: Erin, as well as her parents (who should have known better), mishandled the situation completely. They used the "shoot first and ask questions later" approach.

True friends simply don't act this way with each other. Erin should have called and discussed the situation with you without making an accusation. Because she behaved the way she did, things between you can never be the same. Erin no longer deserves your friendship.

MY ANSWER IS ADDRESSED TO YOUR MOTHER

DR. WALLACE: I'm a 17-year-old girl who, unfortunately, has a brother who is constantly physically harassing me. He's exceptionally strong and always walks around the house flexing his muscles. He's so cocky; he calls himself Mr. Universe. I hope someone whips his tail. That might bring him down to earth. Whenever my parents are out of the house, he bosses me around and says if I don't do what he says, he'll "send me to outer space." He never hits me, but he does push me around.

I've discussed his disgusting and unacceptable behavior with my parents, but they don't do anything about it because they don't think it's serious. My mother reads your column, so maybe she'll realize it's serious when she sees my letter here. You're my last hope. I know you receive lots of mail from teens, but please print my letter. — Nameless, DeKalb, Ill.

MOTHER: As you can see, your daughter is very serious when she says there's a problem. Personally, I feel Mr. Tough Guy might require a few strenuous chores so he can work off some of that extra energy. Pushing his sister around is unacceptable.

YOU REALLY DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM

DR. WALLACE: I've got a big problem. The girls who I like play hard-to-get and won't go out with me. The girls I wouldn't date are the ones who like me. I'm not bad looking and I don't think that I'm a nerd. How can I solve this problem? — Confused Guy, Erie, Pa.

GUY: You don't really have a problem. Try dating one of the girls who likes you. You just might enjoy yourself.

It appears that it might take a lot of time before you match up with a girl you would like to go out with and who would enjoy going out with you.

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.