DR. WALLACE: I'm 16 and have never been on a date because I never wanted to go out with a guy, probably because I am very shy. But now I think I might enjoy sharing some time with a guy, and several guys at school have shown an interest in taking me out. One of them is a boy who asked me out last year. I told him then that I wasn't interested in dating and he said I should let him know when I was.

I'd like to tell him I'm ready to date now. He's a nice guy and I think I'd enjoy going out with him. But my mom doesn't want me to start my dating "career" with someone she hasn't known for over a year. That's why she is insisting that my first date be with the son of one of her friends. I've seen the boy several times and am not interested in going out with him.

What do you think? Should I go out with the guy my mother wants me to, or with the boy at school? Mom has agreed to accept your decision if you put my letter in your column. — Nameless, Santa Fe, N.M.

NAMELESS: I believe that parents should know, and approve of, who their children date, but I'm definitely not in favor of parents selecting dates for their teens. In your situation, you should not have to go out with the son of your mother's friend. I think you should be allowed to go out with the boy of your choice - after your parents have had a chance to meet and get to know him so they feel comfortable with him taking you out on a date.

MY FIRST JOB WAS DELIVERING DAILY NEWSPAPERS

DR. WALLACE: The letter from the young man who sought a job as a grocery sacker, and whose mother felt it was beneath his dignity, prompted me to write. I hope she will rethink her position.

I have two sons, and when they were in high school they worked as grocery sackers. My husband and I are both professional people and we encouraged their employment. It was a wonderful learning experience and they were praised for their loyal work.

Now, some years later, one is a gifted surgeon and the other a very successful attorney with a prestigious law firm.

I truly hope this young man is allowed to take the job, for I know it will only be the start of many wonderful employment experiences. — Mother, Seattle, Wash.

MOTHER: Thanks for sharing your story with our young readers. Many a successful adult started out in a similar job. My first job was delivering the morning newspapers. The experience gained as an independent businessman was invaluable.

CHECK OUT LOCAL DEPARTMENT STORES

DR. WALLACE: I want to be a fashion model when I graduate from high school next year. I know I have all of the qualifications (beauty, brains, build), but I'm 17 and I'm only 5-feet 3-inches tall. I haven't grown any taller in the past year, so I don't think I'm going to grow any more. I know most fashion models are rather tall, but will exceptions be made for someone who is strong in the three "B" areas? — Amy, Phoenix, Ariz.

AMY: I contacted a model agency in Hollywood, California, and was told the single most stringent requirement for being a fashion model is height. A professional fashion model must be a minimum of 5-feet 7-inches in bare feet, but not more than 5-feet 11-inches. Unfortunately, even though you have the three "B's," your chances of being a professional fashion model are not too probable.

However, there is a good chance you can still be a model. The agency said many local department stores hire models that have all the qualifications except for height. Check it out.

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.