DR. WALLACE: My boyfriend and I had a small argument over a minor item a few days ago. I probably overreacted and pouted a little bit despite his quick apologies. This sort of thing has happened before, and usually after a handful of hours, or certainly by the next day, everything reverts to normal between us two.

Then something happened in front of me that gave me a completely different perspective on my relationship with my boyfriend. We live in a city that has been hosting some of the World Cup soccer games. People from all around the world are visiting our city here in the Midwest, and you see them everywhere hanging out, especially in the restaurants and shops.

Ninety-nine percent of them have been in a really great mood, and some of them are really friendly and even talk to us and ask questions. But I did notice this one couple who were speaking in a language I had never ever heard before, and they were obviously in a vicious argument with each other. I couldn't understand a word they were saying, but the delivery of the words, the tone, the volume and the look on their faces as they delivered the words to each other left no doubt what was going on between the two of them. I of course felt bad for them, but it also gave me a new perspective on my own relationship.

Despite our mild disagreements here and there, in our 10 months together, we have never come anywhere close to the raised voices, strained faces and sharp tones that I witnessed that day. A little voice in the back of my mind told me it might be a good idea to apologize to my boyfriend for me being a little overly sensitive during our last mild disagreement. But a part of me doesn't want to appear weak by apologizing either. Do you think I should say anything to my boyfriend, or should I just absorb the lesson that was taught to me and see if I can exhibit better behavior going forward? — Not Sure If I Should Say Anything, via email

NOT SURE IF I SHOULD SAY ANYTHING: If you reached the point, which I believe you did, of seriously thinking about apologizing to your boyfriend, I heartily recommend that you do this. It appears the only thing holding you back is a self-described "fear" of appearing weak. I take the opposite position here, as I feel making this apology would come from a position of strength, in two regards: first, that you're strong enough to admit when you're wrong, and second, that you view your relationship as strong enough and important enough for you to step up, apologize and do all you can to maintain it in the best possible stead.

Apologize, give him a big hug, then be prepared to see him smile, thank you and maybe even insist that it was no big deal anyway. He will truly appreciate your words even if he says it's all no big deal. And, best of all, later you'll feel proud of yourself that you were strong enough to do the right thing.

MY MOM CHANGED HER MIND WHEN SHE SAW ME WITH THAT GIRL

DR. WALLACE: Last weekend, some cousins of ours came to visit our house and hung out with us for a barbecue all Saturday afternoon.

One of the little girls who was attending the party was playing in the yard with our dogs and some other kids and rolling around in the grass. I didn't know her, but she walked right up to me and asked me if I could "untie the knots in her hair." She looked to be about 6 or 7 years old. I told her to wait because I had exactly the right tool. I came back with a comb and a small glass of water. I dipped the comb in the water and slowly and carefully combed her wild and messy hair out so that all the tangles got straightened. I took my time and put my palm on her hair up near her scalp so that I wouldn't pull on her hair with the comb and hurt her.

It turns out that my mother witnessed this entire incident, and when everyone was leaving in the late afternoon, my mom told me that I have a special gift dealing with small children. I had asked my mom if I could start babysitting when I turned 16, but at the time she told me, she didn't want me doing that until I was at least 17, which is still 10 months away.

My mom told me that day she was so impressed with the way I interacted with that little girl that she was going to allow me to start babysitting when I could find jobs, even though I turned 16 only two months ago. My mom told me she would speak to some different people to see if they needed a babysitter but that I should absolutely start telling all my friends and their parents about my skills with children. I told my mom that I didn't want to brag, but my mother said if you say it quietly and confidently, they'll take you seriously, and you'll be one of the first people that will get called because of your confidence.

Should I start saying anything to people I know, or just let my mother do all the searching for babysitting opportunities for me? — Not Sure If It Would Sound Like Bragging, via email

NOT SURE IF IT WOULD SOUND LIKE BRAGGING: I like your mother's idea and do not feel that it would come off as bragging on your part at all. Just mention how passionate you are about helping kids, how much you love and care for them, and focus on how much you enjoy the opportunity to help others, particularly children who need to be kept safe and be nurtured and entertained occasionally by a good babysitter.

By doing your own marketing efforts via word of mouth and having that coupled with your mother speaking highly of you, I'm sure it won't be long until you have a handful of babysitting jobs lined up and ready to go. Get out there and do your best; I know you'll do it quite conscientiously and well.

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 rwallace@thegreatestgift.com. 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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