DR. WALLACE: Vicky and I were very best friends for over 10 years. We are now both 16 years old. This past summer, Vicky threw a big party for me before I left for Florida to spend a month with my dad and stepmother.

When I came back home to start school in September, Vicky had met a guy, who was new to our town, and they had started dating. It's her "first love," and this really took me by surprise. But Vicky assured me that our friendship would remain as strong as ever and nothing between us would change.

Well, for the first few days we talked on the phone every evening just like old times. But soon we were talking every other day, then once a week, and now it's once every couple of weeks.

Yesterday was the last straw! I called her at about 6 p.m. to invite her to lunch on the weekend. She answered the phone but told me she couldn't talk because she was expecting a call from Nathan and that she'd call me back after they hung up. Well, it must have been a long conversation because she never called.

I've decided that I have two choices: I can call her and tell her that our friendship has ended and then find another best friend, or I can sit at home and do nothing and hope they break up real soon.

What do you think I should do? — Amanda, Cedar Lake, Indiana.

AMANDA: Don't be too hard on your good friend. First loves have a way of dominating a person's time. You should stay in touch with Vicky and let her know that even though you don't see each other that often, you will always be available if she needs your support.

Now is also an excellent time to make a few new friends.

ONCE THE GRADES SLIP, DROP THE JOB

DR. WALLACE: I'm in the 12th grade, and I plan to attend college after high school. I get good grades and have an above-average IQ. My grade-point average after my junior year was 3.50, averaging half A's and half B's.

This school year, I got a part-time job at a fast-food restaurant. With gas prices and insurance cost out of control, I need to work or my car will have to sit in the garage.

My grades have slipped this year. I'm averaging all B's, which is a 3.00 GPA. This shouldn't be a big deal because my overall GPA will only drop slightly. But my dad is forcing me to quit my job because of this slight drop. I don't think this is reasonable. A college won't dump me because of this. Could you tell me your thoughts? — Nameless, Rochester, Minnesota.

NAMELESS: I have a standard answer for similar letters. Part-time jobs are an asset as long as grades are not compromised. Once grades start to slip, the part-time job should be terminated. In other words, your dad is right.

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.