DR. WALLACE: I have an unusual problem and I really need your help! I'm 16 and about six months ago I was dating Boy 1. We had fun times, but were not serious about one another and we attended different schools. About two months ago I invited him to attend my sister's wedding with me since I wasn't dating anyone else at the time. She will be getting married in about a month.

Then about a month ago I started dating Boy 2 and we really hit it off in great style and we see each other every day. I talked to Boy 1 at church a week ago and he said that he was really looking forward to escorting me to my sister's wedding.

I like Boy 1, but I really care for Boy 2 and would rather go to the wedding with him, but I don't know what to do about Boy 1. Should I be honest and tell him that I'd rather be escorted by Boy 2, or should I just keep quiet and go with Boy 1? — Nameless, Chicago, Ill.

NAMELESS: Since Boy 1 let you know that he was looking forward to escorting you to your sister's wedding, you should allow him to be your escort. It would be very inconsiderate to renege on the invitation.

But make sure that Boy 1 doesn't get negative "vibes" unwittingly passed his way by you.

USE ANOTHER WAY TO GET MELLOW

DR. WALLACE: I'm a second-year student at the University of Iowa. I study hard and my grade point average is high for two reasons. First, I have been blessed with very good intelligence, and next, I spend a lot of time hitting the books.

My friends and I usually stop by a student hangout on Saturday nights to unwind. I usually unwind by having a few mixed drinks (vodka and orange juice) one after the other. It usually takes three or four for me to get totally relaxed. I'm 21 years old and it usually takes me about 20 minutes to get high.

I read in our school newspaper that someone who drinks five drinks in a short time can be considered a binge drinker. My friends think I am. What do you think? — Terri, Iowa City, Iowa.

TERRI: Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more alcoholic drinks in a short period of time (15 minutes or less) for males, and four or more for females. If you're not a binge drinker, you are close enough to be called a "binge drinker in training."

I think it's time for you to look for another way to get mellow. How about yoga or meditation?

HANG UP. HE WILL GET THE MESSAGE

DR. WALLACE: I broke up with the boy I had been dating steadily for almost a year. He is a nice guy, but at the end I really didn't like him. He took it hard when I told him I wasn't going out with him anymore. He asked if we could stay good friends and, foolishly, I said yes.

Now he has become a pest. He calls me almost every night and keeps inviting me to go places with him as a friend. I keep telling him no, but he continues to pester me. I haven't seen him in over a month but, unfortunately, I talk with him almost every day. Help! — Nameless, St. Paul, Minn.

NAMELESS: Be honest and to the point. Tell this boy that you want him to stop calling you and you have no intention of going out with him again. If that doesn't end the pestering, the next time he calls, simply say, "Please don't call again, and then hang up. He'll get the message.

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.