DR. WALLACE: I'm 16 and dating a special guy who is 18. My dad really likes Tony and they are great pals. My parents split up a few weeks ago after almost 20 years of marriage, and last week they filed for divorce. This has already created a huge problem for me because my dad moved to Chicago and now I live alone with my mother in Springfield, which is quite a distance from Chicago so I don't see my dad very often.

My parents agreed that I should live with my mother and continue my schooling here in Springfield. This was fine with me, but it has now become a problem because ever since my dad moved out of our house, my mom has been down on Tony. She even told me that she wanted me to stop seeing Tony because he was no longer welcome in our house. Last night she announced that she never wanted to see Tony again. I'm sure that it's just because Tony and my dad are friends.

I don't plan to stop seeing Tony, but this has put a strain on our relationship. What can I do to get my mom to back off and not push me to break up with Tony? — Nameless, Springfield, Ill.

NAMELESS: Do not force the issue as long as your mom is not denying you the privilege of seeing Tony. Of course, mom was not using good judgment when she said you couldn't bring Tony into your house.

However, it is obvious that she is still suffering much mental anguish over the breakup of her marriage. Give her some time and let's hope that she realizes her error and corrects it!

READ A TEEN COLUMN

DR. WALLACE: I'm very emotional and whenever I get into a difficult situation I always get upset and end up crying. This only makes everything worse because I don't make good decisions. Please help me. — Jenny, Mobile, Ala.

JENNY: Sometimes it is better to put your stressful problems on hold for a while, says Dr. Alan Monat, a professor of psychology at California State University — Hayward. He feels that when you get back to the problem you'll be refreshed and have a better perspective on how to solve it.

What to do? Call a friend, take a shower, go shopping, treat yourself to a tasty snack, take a walk, play a set of tennis, or read about other teens and their problems in a teen column!

HE CARES MORE FOR HIS BIKE THAN FOR ME

DR. WALLACE: My boyfriend recently bought a new motorcycle and now he spends most all of his time with his biker friends. He has taken me for a few rides, but he takes me for granted. I think he cares more for his bike than for me. Should I tell him to make a choice, the bike or me? — Candy, Phoenix, Ariz.

CANDY: If you force that choice on him, somehow I get the feeling that you'll come out in second place. He's proud of his new toy and enjoys showing it off. Give him some time. After the novelty wears off, he'll probably start spending more time with you. If not, then it's time to move on.

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. 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.