DR. WALLACE: Last weekend I went to a high school graduation party and met a guy who really caught my eye. He was so cute, I didn't think I would have the courage to go up and start a conversation with him and I also didn't know if he was with someone else.

But I really wanted to talk with him, and I made the mistake of drinking quite a bit of alcohol so I could get the courage to approach him. I did talk with him, but I'm afraid I said some really dumb things. Before the conversation ended, I gave him my telephone number and asked him to call me.

Several days have gone by and he hasn't called and I don't think he will. I'm afraid I have embarrassed myself and now I don't know what to do. It turns out that the guy is the cousin of one of my friends. He told her that he thought I was cute and probably would have asked me out, but that he doesn't drink and he doesn't date girls who drink.

This really upsets me because I usually don't drink and I am a member of SADD (Students Against Driving Drunk). I was not driving to or from the party and the only reason I drank was to gain courage to talk to this boy.

Now I feel really stupid and don't know what I can do to get this guy to show an interest in me. Can you help me? I also found out that he does not have a regular girlfriend as he has recently moved into our community. Please answer my letter. - Nameless, Columbus, Ohio.

NAMELESS: There's always a high price to pay when you look for courage in a bottle - now you know. Embarrassment is the least of it. Fortunately, I don't think the damage you did is irreparable.

Here's my suggestion: Get the guy's address from your girlfriend. Clip out this column and mail it to him, along with a note of apology. Since he liked you in spite of your inebriated condition, you may very well hear back from him.

Consider this unfortunate drinking experience a real learning experience. Don't drink again!

VIOLATION AND PUNISHMENT BOTH SEVERE

DR. WALLACE: I'm grounded the entire summer vacation because I went to a friend's high school graduation party. I had told my parents that his parents would be chaperones and no booze would be served, but when I got there I discovered that his parents were on vacation in Europe and kids were drinking alcohol.

I should have left, but I stayed. About 10 p.m. the party got rather loud and neighbors called the police. After their arrival, things really got out of control. The party was shut down after a policeman was hit in the face with a beer bottle. I admit I should have vacated the premises once I found out there were no adult chaperones, but to be grounded the entire summer seems too much. Do you agree? - Beth, Springfield, Ohio.

BETH: Your punishment is severe, but so was your violation. Instead of moaning about your severe punishment, tell your parents how sorry you are for breaking the trust they had in you and assure them it won't happen again. They just might accept your apology and reduce your sentence a bit.