DR. WALLACE: My best friend had been visiting her boyfriend's apartment a lot and telling her parents that she was over at my house. I covered for her a few times when her mother questioned me about it. But a week ago her parents found out the truth, and now they're mad at me and say she can't hang around with me anymore. They're making me out to be the bad gal, but I didn't do anything more than one good friend would do for another.

I told my mom, who called my friend's mom, but the call didn't patch things up. Instead, the moms got into a huge argument and my friend's mom hung up on my mom, who is now making things worse by telling me she doesn't want me to hang around with "that tramp" any more. I just tried to help a friend and now I'm not allowed to even see her.

To make matters worse, I've been told by a mutual acquaintance that my best friend is mad at me, but I can't find out why. What should I do? — Nameless, Orlando, Fla.

NAMELESS: Everyone, including you, is uptight at the moment. Wait until the people involved come to their senses. It's possible they might then make a few rational decisions. That's when to see if things can be patched up between you and your friend. While you ride out this cooling-off period, maybe you should work on making some new friends.

You shouldn't have covered (lied) for your friend, but neither should you lose a best friend because of a lapse in judgment.

BLIND DATES ARE GOOD RISKS

DR. WALLACE: Do you believe in blind dates? My cousin wants me to go out with his girlfriend's friend, but I won't have a chance to meet her beforehand. I'm trying to decide whether to go out with her or not. What's your opinion? Please hurry, because I've got to make my decision real soon. — Nameless, Lake Charles, La.

NAMELESS: Yes, I do believe in blind dates, because I believe in taking good risks and doing things you've never done before. So I encourage you to go out with your cousin's girlfriend's friend and plan to have a lot of fun. There are no guarantees, but if you bypass this opportunity, you'll never know what you missed. Blind dates are good risks.

DUMP THIS GUY IMMEDIATELY!

DR. WALLACE: Josh and I have been dating for about three months. We met at his brother's wedding. I was a good friend of the bride. He's basically a good guy and we've had some very good times, but we've also had some not-so-good times. It all depends on his mood.

Last night he was in a bad mood and we had an argument over what movie to see. During our "disagreement," he grabbed me by the throat and started squeezing my neck. I really got scared because for a few seconds I could not breathe. Then all of a sudden he stopped and said he was sorry, he'd just snapped. I then told him to take me home immediately!

He called me this afternoon and said he had changed his mind and would take me to the movie I wanted to see. He didn't mention the choking incident and neither did I.

I have not told my parents about all this yet, but if I did tell them I know they wouldn't let me see Josh again. What do you think I should do? I do like him, but I'm also a little afraid of him because of his temper. — Worried, St. Paul, Minn.

WORRIED: End your relationship with Josh immediately, please! He has a severe emotional problem and is in desperate need of professional help. Tell your parents what took place and take whatever additional advice they might offer.

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.