DR. WALLACE: I'm a female college student who still lives at home. My parents are great and have been very supportive of me my entire life. I've had various boyfriends over the years, some of whom they've approved of and some they weren't too crazy about, but they rolled with things pretty well during my high school years.

However, I happen to know that my father is not into tattoos, and I've recently started dating a guy who has quite a few of them! His tattoos are mainly on his arms, but he does have a few on his legs.

Even though I don't have tattoos, I feel they look great on him, and they suit his personality. I've been hesitant to mention him to my parents because I dread the disapproval that I know I'm going to be receiving. The irony is that this guy's values line up quite closely with my father's overall. It's just his appearance that will be shocking to my parents, especially my father at first and for this reason, I'm not looking forward to bringing my guy around anytime soon. How can I get my father to calm down about this one particular issue? — A Hesitant Daughter, via email

A HESITANT DAUGHTER: I disagree with your strategy! By this, I mean, I feel that keeping him away and trying to elongate the process of keeping him away from your parents is not going to help you in the end.

Therefore, I suggest you bring him around your family as soon as possible. But before you do so, take the time to have a conversation with your father and mention all of the similarities and philosophical positions that your new guy has in common with your dad. Don't say anything about the tattoos; simply focus on the common areas and build him up a little bit as you go along.

This way, once your guy shows up in person and your father gets a look at his tattoos, subconsciously your father will already know that he has many things in common with this young man. Ask your friend to immediately shake your father's hand and begin talking about some of the commonalities they have and good things he's heard about your father. This should break the ice, and although your father will be shocked, subconsciously, I trust he will channel his best decorum, and that your new friend and your father will have a meaningful conversation that will transcend his physical appearance.

I LOVE AND FEAR SUMMERTIME

DR. WALLACE: I love the summertime, but I don't like the way it makes me sweat! I'm very self-conscious about this, and it makes me nervous to be around my dating partner since I'm afraid it'll be a huge turnoff to them.

I try to shower as often as possible this summer, but there are sometimes long stretches of time that taking a shower is not an option.

Is there anything I can do beyond deodorant and cologne? Another fear of mine is taking off my shoes since my socks will always be really sweaty in the summer. — Always Nervous in the Summer, via email

ALWAYS NERVOUS IN THE SUMMER: I feel for you, as everyone tends to sweat more in the summer than we do during other seasons.

Over the years I've gathered some suggestions on this topic, and I'll drop in a few more on the feet as well since that's an area of particular concern to you.

No. 1: Wear loose clothing made from lightweight fabrics.

No. 2: Stay hydrated!

No. 3: Try your best to reduce anxiety as it tends to increase sweating.

No. 4: Avoid any non-urgent medications that increase sweating.

No. 5: Avoid working out during peak sunshine hours.

No. 6: Use a hair dryer before applying deodorant.

No. 7: Wearing sandals whenever practical and possible.

No. 8: Wear shoes made of natural materials that allow for proper ventilation.

No. 9: Allow shoes to dry completely before each use.

No. 10: If you do wear socks, go with ones that wick moisture from the skin.

No. 11: Change socks often, especially when wet. Have extra pairs ready!

No. 12: Apply antiperspirant to your feet before bed; wash off in the morning.

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.

Photo credit: Amanda Lucati at Unsplash