DR. WALLACE: I'm about to make a big change in my dating life. I'm a girl who is now a senior in high school, and I'm about to break off a new relationship I'm currently in with a super handsome guy.

My reason for this is that he's very pushy, if you know what I mean, and he also exudes this air of entitlement that turns me off in many different ways. I've been fortunate enough (or unfortunate enough) to date a series of nice-looking guys the past two years, but I'm about to finally move past physical looks in dating partners as I finish my senior year and eventually head off to college.

Why do you feel it took me so long to come to this realization? — Unlucky at Love, via email

UNLUCKY AT LOVE: I'd say that you've actually made your adjustment earlier than most that eventually decide they want to adjust the factors and attributes upon which they select their dating partners.

And for the record, there are indeed many attractive people in the world who have excellent personalities that don't exude airs of entitlement or attempt to push manipulative agendas. But those who do may not mesh well with everyone, which is a realization you've likely come to realize based upon your personal experiences.

It may make sense to think very carefully about the attributes you'd like to see in future dating partners, and then slowly begin a search for individuals who exhibit them regularly. At least spending some time using this approach will give you an excellent way to evaluate the contrast in both your approaches and ultimate dating experiences.

HER DOGGIE OBSESSION MAKES MY EYES ROLL

DR. WALLACE: My roommate spends more money on her dog than I do on myself! She's constantly getting packages and boxes delivered that contain the latest doggie toys, treats and accessories. This seemingly endless barrage of packages arriving here has me constantly rolling my eyes.

I'd really be down on her style if she had a rich father who sent her an allowance that funded her mountain of dog products. But she actually comes from a working-class family and she works hard at a part-time job to fund her passion for her pup, so I do have to at least give her props for that.

My question is, do you think people like my roommate who overspend on their pets are irresponsible with their financial capital? I have no pets, but I do have a growing savings account. — My Eyes Roll Regularly, via email

MY EYES ROLL REGULARLY: I don't agree with your characterization that her spending is irresponsible. You and I have no way of knowing how much she actually spends and saves or what her personal financial condition is.

I feel that each individual should put their time and resources into items they are passionate about, and your roommate certainly has a passion for her pet dog. She likely loves her little companion quite a bit and enjoys the "motherly instincts" she likely feels for her little friend.

And the fact she works at a job herself to fund this passion is all the more admirable in my book. Many people spend their "financial capital" in much less savory ways than your roommate apparently does.

Finally, I congratulate you on your financial discipline and encourage you to keep saving and investing to reach your own financial and life goals, whatever they may ultimately be.

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.

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