DR. WALLACE: I'm a bit embarrassed to tell you that I got married young (age 18), and by the time I turned 20, I realized I made a huge mistake. I had a long talk with my husband and told him that I felt strongly that we should end our marriage. He was hesitant at first but finally agreed.

My uncle helped me find an attorney to draw some divorce papers, and I had them signed and sent over to my husband after I moved out of our apartment. Nearly four months have passed, and he hasn't communicated with me nor returned to me the divorce papers. What should I do about this? I've been enjoying the peace and quiet, and the sense of tranquility I've been feeling ever since I escaped a marriage that I now feel even more certain was never meant to be.

I don't want to contact my soon-to-be-ex-husband directly anymore, but I'm nervous waiting and wondering why he's not acting on this. — Seeking to Become Legally Divorced, via email

SEEKING TO BECOME LEGALLY DIVORCED: Have your uncle recontact the attorney that drew up the paperwork and request that this attorney make contact with your husband directly. If your husband has any known relatives or legal representatives, disclose that to your attorney, and let the attorney handle matters for you from this point going forward.

Your attorney can explain the process to you and give you hypothetical scenarios that may unfold from this point forward. The best thing for you to do at this point is to receive sound, quality legal advice. Take time to also discuss this matter with your uncle and any other trusted family members you have. Lean on all these resources, and they will help you to shepherd your divorce to the finish line.

I REALLY NEED TO END MY VERY BAD HABIT

DR. WALLACE: I'm trying to quit a bad habit, but so far I've been unsuccessful. It's really bothering me that this is so difficult! I don't want to say what my bad habit is, but I know you will be in full agreement with me that I should quit it and seek to move forward and never look back when it comes to this activity.

Why is it so hard to stop engaging in a bad habit? I really want to make this change, but so far I've been unsuccessful. I've thought about quitting trying, but something keeps telling me to keep trying. What should I do here? — Need to Make This Change, via email

NEED TO MAKE THIS CHANGE: When human beings seek to successfully change their habits, it's quite common to experience some setbacks along the way. This means that the first several attempts may not produce the desired results you seek fully and quickly.

Instead of being disappointed that your early attempts at changing your behavior have failed, be encouraged that you're one step closer to success each time you sincerely try to make these changes. Feel empowered that with each attempt, you are building momentum with your desire to make this change, and at some point, you will indeed be successful.

The fact that you have taken the time to write to me to discuss this matter demonstrates just how serious you are about it. At some point, and I feel it will be soon, you'll reach the tipping point where your desire for change is stronger than your desire to resume engaging in the habit you want to eliminate.

That will be a glorious day. Keep that goal in the front of your mind as you pursue the gradual and incremental steps that are necessary along the way toward making this positive change in your life.

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 [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.

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