Teen-Age Troubles

Originally appearing in Career Girl Romances comics issue #45 in 1968.

We have asked one of the leading authorities in this country to write a special column for this publication. It will consist of answers to the problems of Teenagers. Dr. Harold Gluck has had many years of experience with boys and girls of your age group. He knows what bothers them and the sensible help and advice that they need. So, if you have a problem, write him a letter. State your situation simply and briefly, there will be no personal replies, but from your letters will be chosen one to be answered in this column in every issue of this publication.

Dear Dr. Gluck:

I have been reading your column, and I like how you answer the letters sent to you. I have a problem, and I really need your help. I am very much upset and don't know just what would be the best thing for me to do.

I first met Burt when I was thirteen. I knew then he was the only boy for me. So we started to go out right away from the start. I refused all other dates with different boys, and, in fairness to me, Burt didn't date any other girls. We went to the same high school.

I want you to know that my parents liked Burt and his parents liked me. So, what more could any girl ask for? This continued for about two and a half years. Of course, we started to look into the future. We were going steady, and everyone in our group knew it. I felt that when we got old enough, we would get married.

Then, six months ago, it was just like the end of the world for me; Burt's father is the district manager for a huge company. There was an emergency in France where they also own a big factory. So Burt's father had to go to France, and his wife and Burt went with him. I cried myself sick because I was afraid I would lose Burt. But he regularly wrote to me while he was away.

I want you to know that I did not go out with any other boys for a whole period of three months. Then we had a church affair, and that is where I met Howard. I played it fair and told him all about Burt. He called for me several times, and we went out to parties and games.

You can imagine how happy I was when the time came for Burt to come home to me. My father drove me to the airport, and he waited until Burt's plane arrived. But somehow, Burt looked different. We went back to each other, but it just isn't the same. I don't know what happened. I can't explain it to myself. Was it wrong for me to go out with another boy? Should I keep on seeing Burt if I feel so different about it now? Would you please help me?

Louise R.

Dear Louise:

You and Burt are growing up. Children become teenagers. And, in turn, the teenagers become adults. The process of growing up is also a process of change. We don't see things the same way anymore, even if they are the same things. Perhaps if you and Burt had continued seeing each other without a break of a half year, you would have both still changed, but it would not have been so evident to you. Nor even to him. You must understand that this happens to many people in your age group. You did nothing wrong. Neither did Burt. As far as I can judge, it would have been better had you both not gone out steady at the time you did. But that is part of the past.

So you met Howard, and consciously or subconsciously, you are comparing the two boys. Who knows what will happen in another few months? You may meet another boy and at that time feel you like him the best I think you have very understanding parents. They do not want you to be hurt. So, it is crucial you talk over this situation with them. Go ahead and show them my answer.

On my desk is a letter from another girl who faces the same situation that you do. So, in a way, this answer to you is also an answer to a girl called Bess.

Burt will survive and find another girl—you can be sure of this. Just ask yourself this question. What would happen if Burt's parents had decided to remain permanently abroad if the company had made the father such a good offer that he could not have refused it?

Cordially yours,

Dr. Harold Gluck

If you want to write a letter to Dr. Harold Gluck, address it to

Dr. Harold Gluck

c/o Charlton Comics

Charlton Bldg.

Derby Conn. 06418