DR. WALLACE: I'm 16 and have an 11:30 p.m. curfew. When my sister was 16, she had a midnight curfew. I don't think this is fair. When I complained to my parents, they said that my sister had a better attitude, got better grades and did not talk back. What's all that got to do with a curfew? I'm every bit as mature at 16 as she was — maybe more.

I'm totally upset at my parents. I feel they are prejudiced because they don't like my boyfriend, and if I don't get my curfew extended, I won't have a boyfriend. Keith isn't happy that I have to be home at the ungodly early time of 11:30. Help! — Nameless, Cumberland, Md.

NAMELESS: Consider yourself fortunate that you can stay out as late as 11:30. I realize that you and your sister are two different people with divergent personalities, but somehow I get the impression that you don't enjoy earning things; you'd rather have them handed to you on a silver platter.

It's time you learned the meaning of maturity. The essence of maturity is thinking beyond your own immediate desires — or those of your boyfriend — and taking responsibility for your actions. If you begin to do so, and throw in a pleasant attitude, your parents may be so thrilled that they will reconsider that curfew. Give it a try.

P.S. — Your curfew is set by your parents, and it is none of Keith's concern. I can clearly see why your sister had a later curfew. Good grades, better attitude and a pleasant disposition deserve a reward.

THIS IS A FIRST

DR. WALLACE: This story is one for the books! I'm 15 and interested in going out with a guy who attends our church. He has a great personality and is adorable. I was hoping he'd ask me out, because he has already told me that I'm "super cute."

I have waited and waited, but no request has ever come in, so I decided to be the aggressor and ask him for a date. This is what he said: "I'd really like to go out with you, but I'm not permitted to date for another seven months, when I'll be turning 16."

I couldn't believe my ears. I know parents put restrictions on dating ages for their daughters, for obvious reasons, but this is the first time I've heard of a guy being restricted until he turns 16. It's not as if the guy is 12 or 13 — he's 15 and a half!

Have you ever had anyone address this problem in the years you have been writing your column? — Kate, Chicago, Ill.

KATE: This is a first. But think about it for a moment. Why should girls have an age restriction for dating and not boys? If this guy is as good as you say, he's definitely worth the wait.

BULIMICS CAN DIE FROM THIS DISORDER

DR. WALLACE: I know people can die from being anorexic. Literally they starve to death. Can people also die from being bulimic? — Ann, Hammond, La.

ANN: The bulimic eats compulsively and then uses a combination of self-induced vomiting, laxatives, rigorous exercise and fasting to prevent weight gain. The addictive binge-purge cycle is often done secretly and can increase from once or twice a week to many times a day.

Bulimics have died from their eating disorders. This usually happens when they choke to death while vomiting. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are both serious eating disorders that can only be overcome with professional help.

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.