DR. WALLACE: I'm 17 and live alone with my mother. My parents were divorced five years ago and my father has remarried and is living in another state. Mom and I are pals. She is a wonderful mother and I love her very much. I'm an honors student, play softball and basketball on my high school team, and I'm also vice president of my junior class. All this happened because mom has been totally supportive with my school activities.

My mom is an attractive woman, but has not been involved in dating ever since my parents separated. I've asked her why a man isn't part of her life and she just laughs and says that the one man she had turned her off to all men. My dad wasn't a good father or husband, but that doesn't mean that all men are that way.

Now here's my problem. My three closest friends have decided not to limit our dating to just one guy, but to date several guys. I'm dating two at the present time. One is alright with the plan, but the other really wants to be my "one and only." But that's his problem.

My mom and I agreed that my dates should pick me up at my house and that she should meet them before we leave. When my date picks me up, mom is always wearing stylish clothes and tasteful make-up and not one hair out of place. She then proceeds to "hit" on the guy I'm going out with, or at least it seems to me. I'm not kidding, and a couple of guys have commented how "cool" my mother looks and acts.

Of course, my mom is not trying to win these guys away from me; she just wants to feel like a beautiful woman. That's probably true, but I would rather she feels like a "beautiful woman" around men her own age. Should I have a serious talk with her about my dates meeting me at the door and not coming into the house? — Nameless, Peoria, Ill.

NAMELESS: Would you rather she meets your dates in her bathrobe and flip-flops?

If looking pretty for your dates is your mom's only flaw, allow her to recapture her youth. Say nothing to her about looking great when she meets your dates.

ALL PARENTS ARE NOT GOOD PARENTS

DR. WALLACE: I was shocked that you sided with a teen who was having a disagreement with her mother. Now all the teens who read your column can tell her parents that, "Dr. Wallace agrees with teens, not their parents." The Good Book instructs children to "honor" their father and their mother. When a teen and a parent disagree, the parent's decision should be the final say. Please print my letter and apologize to all parents for your troublesome answer. — Granny, Dallas, Tex.

GRANNY: I agree with you that when parents and children are in conflict, the parents have the better plan, most of the time, but not all the time. There are times when the child has the better solution. Wise and loving parents allow open communication, not unquestioning obedience.

Your letter assumes that just because a couple has a child that they will love the child and have the wisdom to guide the child on a path to becoming a model citizen with high moral values. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. When a child is born, the father and mother are instant parents. But love, compassion, patience and forgiveness will make them an exemplary father and mother!

When I was a high school principal, we had a few students who ran the household — everything from buying the groceries to paying the bills (whenever money was available.) Their parents were busy wasting their lives with alcohol and/or drugs!

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.