DR. WALLACE: I'm 20 and the guy I'm going to marry after we finish college is 21. I'm a third-year student and he is in his last year.

I'm an only child and Ken is from a very large family. He has seven siblings — five sisters and two brothers. Many times Ken and I have little "fun" arguments about being an only child vs. being from a large family. I keep telling him that only children are smarter because parents can spend all their time with the only child while Ken says that children from large families are usually smarter because they not only learn from their parents, they also learn from their siblings.

Do you have any information on who is correct? It's no big deal one way or the other, but we would like to know if there's any research on this. — Melissa, Topeka, Kans.

MELISSA: There is some research on the topic, though if I were you I'd take it with a grain of salt. A few years ago, the American Institute for Research conducted an extensive study on only children and found that, on average, they did have higher IQs than children who grew up with siblings. Only children also tested higher in creativity, abstract reasoning, mechanical reasoning, mathematics and reading comprehension. However, they were also more self-centered and lonely.

This is a broad stereotype. Don't make too much of it or let it become a wedge between Ken and you. All arguments, even "fun" disagreements, can be settled peacefully when true love decides the final outcome.

EITHER YOU DRINK OR YOU DON'T

DR. WALLACE: My husband and I are considered to be classified as "social drinkers." We enjoy a cocktail or two at a social function, and often enjoy a "mixed" drink after dinner. Our 17-year-old son has asked if he could have an occasional alcoholic drink at home. He says that he needs to know how to drink responsibly and he wants to learn at home, not with his friends.

My husband and I are not so sure it would be wise to serve alcohol to a minor even if it is our son. Your advice will be appreciated. — Mother, Springfield, Mass.

MOTHER: When teens are allowed to consume alcohol at home, they are more likely to consume alcohol outside the home. In addition, they are more likely to develop serious behavioral and health problems related to the use of alcohol.

I'm sorry, but I don't accept the term "social drinker." You either drink or you don't. Some drinkers who consume alcohol almost daily call themselves "social drinkers." The term sounds better than what they probably are — "social alcoholics."

KEEP CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH DAD

DR. WALLACE: I have just been informed by my parents that they are getting a divorce. My father will move out of the house and my brother and I will live here with our mother. I knew our parents weren't getting along, but I never thought they would end the marriage. It really makes me mad. How could they do this to my brother and me?

I love both my mother and father very much. I realize there is nothing you can do to help me or to get my parents to call off their divorce, but writing this has helped me get rid of some of my frustration. — Nameless, Benton Harbor, Mich.

NAMELESS: It's always a shock to learn that your parents have decided to split up, even if you saw it coming. Resentment is one of the many emotions you are likely to feel. You may also experience guilt, depression, or even fear.

It's natural to feel this way but, I assure you, time will ease the pain. Your father may be moving out, but he will still be your father and will no doubt do his utmost to maintain a strong bond with you. Indeed, your relationship with both parents may well improve. Vow to do everything possible to keep a close relationship with your dad.

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.