DR. WALLACE: I have a best friend who lies all the time. She tells me one thing and two days later she forgets what she said and she tells me the complete opposite. Let me give you an example.

Two days ago, she told me that her grandfather was killed in an automobile accident. Today she told me that he was killed trying to save a baby in a burning building. I told my mom and she called to express our family's condolences, and her mother said that the grandfather is alive and well.

This friend has done this quite often. If I tell her I got $10 for my birthday, she will say that she got $20 for her birthday. What can I do to get her to stop making up stories? Other than lying, she is a great friend.

Why do you think she feels that she needs to tell lies? — Lynn, Holland, Mich.

LYNN: Some people embroider, exaggerate and just plain concoct stories because they're insecure and don't think they'll get the attention they crave by sticking with the truth. It's a silly game to play, especially when the tall tale can be easily checked out. It undermines their credibility and even threatens friendships.

Be patient with your friend. When you feel she's not telling the truth, gently tell her you don't believe her and let it go at that. Hopefully, she'll outgrow this self-defeating form of getting attention.

IN TIME, YOU WILL WIN HER OVER

DR. WALLACE: I'm a 16-year-old young lady and Ricky and I date regularly, but we aren't going steady or anything. We're great friends and we go out together once or twice a month. We both date others as well.

Sometimes I just feel I need to talk to Ricky, so I call him at his home. His mother always answers the phone and, whenever I call, she acts upset. She has even told me a couple of times that "girls aren't supposed to call boys."

I don't feel comfortable calling Ricky anymore so that is why I'm writing to you. Do you think I should stop calling him or should I tell him that his mother makes me feel uncomfortable when I call? I haven't said anything about this to him yet, but I may have to. — Margo, Memphis, Tenn.

MARGO: Ricky's mom has no reason to be upset because you phone her son. I'm sure it's disconcerting to feel that a friend's parent is suspicious of you, especially when there's no reason to be. She's burdened with an outdated philosophy. Continue calling Ricky whenever you feel like it. When she answers, be as pleasant as possible; maybe, in time, you'll win her over.

I see no need to mention anything about this to Randy unless his mother refuses to accept your phone calls.

I WAS WASTING MY LIFE

DR. WALLACE: I never dreamed I would ever be writing to a newspaper columnist, but after reading the letter from the 14-year-old girl who twice tried to commit suicide because she was grossly overweight and had no friends, I sat down and cried.

I am not depressed and I'm not overweight, but I now realize that I am not a very nice person. I am changing my ways beginning immediately. I am in the social clique at school and have even made fun of some fellow students who are less fortunate than I am.

I agree that a young life is most precious and full of potential. I was wasting my life, but not anymore. I want to let this girl know that I also care for her very much and wish her well. — T.J., Gary, Ind.

T.J.: Thanks for your inspiring and compassionate letter. I wish you all the best in achieving your future goals.

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.