DR. WALLACE: I'm a 17-year-old young lady who has a major dilemma. Do I try to win back the guy I love who has treated me like dirt, or do I stay with a guy I like who treats me like a lady?

About three months ago he broke up with me because he said that he had grown tired of me. We had been together for about six months and I loved him very much even though he was very crude and treated me poorly. He never was seen with me in public and he constantly stood me up, but he never apologized. He didn't really hit me, but every once in a while he would slap my face.

I was a virgin when I met him and he has been my only sex partner. The last month we were together, we had sex every time that we were together. Since we broke up we have not been in contact with each other, but I do know where he is and how to get in touch with him.

I am now dating a real sweetheart who treats me like a lady. I couldn't ask to be treated better. He is polite, kind, considerate and a complete gentleman. He doesn't expect anything more than a goodnight kiss. I should be very happy, but I'm not. I still love my ex-boyfriend and I think that I'd like to have him back. I'm not sure what I should do. Please give me your advice. — Nameless, Gary, Ind.

NAMELESS: You are writing to me because you already know what I'm going to suggest. You just want to see it in print!

OK, you've got your wish. Forget the louse you were dating and concentrate on this terrific guy you are now dating. Your ex is a jerk who was dating you for one reason — sex. When he got tired of your "charms" he moved on. Consider it good riddance. Your relationship with your ex is a prime example of sex destroying a relationship rather than strengthening it. It would be a huge mistake chasing after him.

The guy you are now dating sounds like a winner, and together, you two will share many good times in the future.

HAVE PARENTS TALK WITH PRINCIPAL

DR. WALLACE: I received my fall schedule in the mail yesterday and found out that I have been assigned a class with an English teacher who hates our family. She already has flunked my older brother and didn't give my sister the grade she earned. The counselors were at school this week, so I went there and my counselor said she couldn't change a student's class just because the student didn't like the teacher.

How is a student supposed to learn if the teacher already has a grudge against his family? What can I do to get this class changed? What I'm telling you about this teacher is the honest truth. Does our family need a lawyer? - Nameless, Chicago, Ill.

NAMELESS: Counselors rarely remove a student from a class just because the student doesn't like the teacher. If they honored this kind of request, the scheduling process would become chaotic.

Have your parents make an appointment to talk with the principal to explain why it would be in your best interest academically to take an English class from another teacher. A lawyer isn't necessary! The principal's decision is final.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes question 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.