DR. WALLACE: I'm 13 and starting to mature physically, so I think it's time that I learn about sex and pregnancy. The only stuff I know now is what my friends have talked about and I'm not positive it's correct. I've asked my mom several times to give me some answers but she makes up excuses that it's not quite time for this, or else that she's super busy, or has a headache and "we'll talk later."

Dr. Wallace, all my friends seem to know something about this, even if it's not all true, so I think I need to have the information from my mom so I can know. One of the girls said her mom told her that a friend got pregnant just by kissing a guy, which I'm almost positive is just a rumor. So you see my need for real information.

My best friend told me that her mom answered all of her questions regarding sex and would be glad to answer all mine as well. Do you think I should ask my friend's mom to answer my questions about sex, or should I keep reminding my mom that it is best for her to tell me the truth?

Also, what can I do to get my mom to tell me the true facts and answer my questions? I am definitely not planning to have sex, but I still would like to be informed. — Nameless, Elkhart, Indiana

NAMELESS: Your mom is definitely missing the boat on this. As soon as a young person wants answers about sex, the time is right to begin talking about it. Some parents may be uncomfortable about this, but they need to make the effort anyway. Tell your mother that you have heard some rumors and some possible misinformation floating around, and that you need to have accurate information about sex and reproduction.

If your mother's 'headache" doesn't go away and she refuses to have a serious talk with you about sex, then let her know that your friend's mother will give you the information. Chances are that this will encourage Mom to fulfill her responsibility. However, if she gives you permission to learn from your friend's mother instead, do it.

MY ROOMATE IS A SLOB

DR. WALLACE: I'm 14 and share a room with my 16-year-old brother, who is a total slob. His side of our room is always messy and dirty while I keep my side neat and tidy. He rarely makes his bed and I always make mine. What really bugs me is that he gets home from school before I do (I'm into sports) and instead of lying on his bed to read his "girly" magazines he plops on mine. I've told him a million times to stay off of my bed, but all he ever says is, "Bug off, runt."

What can I do to get this slob to stay off my bed? — Phil, Tacoma, Washington

PHIL: If you have already talked to your parents about this, they have not considered it to be a very serious problem. Nevertheless, the problem must be solved by your parents. Show them this column and they will know that the problem was serious enough for you to write to a columnist for help.

Ask your parents to have a talk with your brother and tell him to keep his side of the room neater. At the very least, they should insist that he stay off of your bed.

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.