DR. WALLACE: Jordan and I are both 17 and had been dating for over a year. He was going steady with Vicky before he met me, but she had dumped him for another guy and Jordan told me he was glad to be rid of her. Then a few weeks ago Vicky called Jordan and said she made a mistake and wanted him back. Well, she got what she wanted because Jordan broke up with me and went back with her.

I was very hurt and couldn't believe what was happening to me when suddenly Vicky's family was transferred to Florida and everything changed — again!

Then last night Jordan called and told me he was sorry for breaking up with me and wanted to know if we could start dating again. I was surprised, but I told him I needed to think it over and to call me in another week. I really do care for him and he is a great guy. When we were dating he always treated me like a lady every time we were together. I'd like to say yes, but my sister is telling me to "punish" him and refuse to go back with him again.

Even my parents are not in agreement. My mom likes him a lot and is encouraging me to go back with him and thinks I'll be making a mistake if I don't give him another chance. But my dad thinks he's a snake in the grass who does not deserve another chance. Please give me your advice about all this. — Brittany, San Antonio, Tex.

BRITTANY: Great guys who treat their dates like a lady for over a year are in short supply. Since you care for him and want to go out with him again, then go ahead. Playing the "punishment game," as your sister suggests, will get you nowhere.

But go out with him again with your eyes wide open. He was fickle once. If it happens again, then dump him for good.

MAKE SURE YOUR FATHER READS THIS!

DR. WALLACE: My boyfriend and I are both 16 years old. Last week we went to a movie and I got home an hour later than my 11 p.m. curfew because the movie was super long. I realize I should have called from the theater and let my parents know that I was going to be home late, but the movie was so good I got engrossed in it and just didn't think.

When I got home, my dad was furious. He pulled me by the hair and shoved me into my bedroom. Now I'm on restriction for six months and I'm not allowed to see or talk with my boyfriend for one year. My boyfriend and I are both good kids and we've never been late before. We're both on the honor roll and are not involved with alcohol, tobacco or drugs.

I think my punishment is much too severe for coming home an hour late. I'd like your opinion, please. — Nameless, Peoria, Ill.

NAMELESS: You were wrong in not calling your parents and asking for an hour's extension, but your father was doubly wrong! First, he should not have pulled your hair and shoved you into your bedroom. Next, he overreacted on your punishment.

Let's hope he calms down and not only lessens your restrictions, but also, and more importantly, apologizes for his unacceptable behavior. Since your father might not be a regular reader of this column, make sure he reads this one today. It's important that he does.

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.