DR. WALLACE: I just turned 20 years old, and I'm graduating from a trade school. I've been attending for the past two years. My job prospects going forward are excellent in my chosen field, and I'll be earning a great salary by the beginning of 2026.

This particular trade school is offering a graduation ceremony, and at first, I thought it was no big deal and wouldn't worry about attending it since I'm more focused on my upcoming career anyway. But my girlfriend told me it's an important rite of passage and that I should absolutely attend, listen to the speakers, accept my certificate and socialize. I've been hesitant because I kind of think it's corny, and really, no big deal. It's not like I got a four-year degree from a prestigious university, right? Do you feel I should attend the ceremony or just skip it and use the time to prepare for my upcoming job opportunities? — Trade School Graduate, via email

TRADE SCHOOL GRADUATE: My advice is to attend the ceremony and plan to be low-key about it and not worry about how it comes off either way. The ceremony will likely only last a few hours at most, and you never know who you'll meet, who you'll speak with and what may happen that could create an excellent connection for you at some future point in your life.

Beyond that, you deserve society's proverbial "pat on the back " for a job well done. Graduating successfully from a viable, professional trade school that sets you up tremendously well for your future is every bit as important in my book as receiving a four-year diploma from any college in our land.

I HAVE ZERO NEED FOR A JACKET AT NIGHT

DR. WALLACE: I currently live in a warm southern state after having moved here with my family a year ago. We came from the frigid northeast part of our country, and now we reside in what's commonly known as the "Sunbelt."

For whatever reason, ever since I arrived here, I've never been cold at night. I've gone to outdoor sporting events, like football games and outdoor concerts and never had a problem feeling cold.

However, even though I don't need to wear an extra jacket, or a heavy sweater, both my mother and my girlfriend relentlessly request that I take at least a jacket with me every time I go out of the house at night. It's become a bit of a pain, because I have to take the jacket, throw it in the backseat of my car and then remember to bring it in at night and I never use it anyway.

How can I get the ladies in my life to just relax and not have me toting extra clothing back and forth every time I go somewhere with my friends? — I'm Never Cold Here, via email

I'M NEVER COLD HERE: Wow, if this is your biggest current concern, you're living an excellent life, congratulations!

In all seriousness, I recommend that you stop fighting with the ladies and simply tell them thank you and take the jacket and smile as you head out to your event. Yes, there's a 99% chance you won't be using the jacket and you can set it in the backseat of your car.

But you never know if you might experience car trouble or go on an impromptu outing that lasts until the wee hours of the morning sometimes. Additionally, you also never know if you'll come across another person who is legitimately cold and you can loan the jacket to such a person since you'll have it readily available.

Having an extra layer of clothing in your possession is never a bad idea, so keep the ladies happy and just roll with their loving intentions of being sure to keep you warm.

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.

Photo credit: Joshua Hoehne at Unsplash