DR. WALLACE: I swiped a magazine from the public library because I wanted to read an article in it and I didn't have money to buy it and I didn't have a library card. Now I really feel bad about what I did. I'd like to return it, but I don't want to tell the librarian that I stole it.

Would it be all right if I took it back to the library and put it back in its rightful place? Why do I feel so bad about taking the magazine? — Nameless, Crown Point, Ind.

NAMELESS: Return the magazine to its rightful place and two things will occur. The library will have its magazine back, and your guilty conscience will disappear.

Isn't it wonderful that human beings have consciences? They keep us from trampling on the rights of others!

I EAT MORE AFTER I QUIT SMOKING

DR. WALLACE: I stopped smoking four weeks ago, but I find myself eating more often now than when I was smoking. I've already gained three pounds and that worries me a lot. Please give me some clues about how to stop gaining weight or I'll have to resume smoking. I'd rather be slim and risk the evils of tobacco than to be smoke-free and overweight. Of course, my goal is to be smoke-free and slim. — Angie, Jackson, Miss.

ANGIE: Usually, it's not how often you eat, but what you eat that causes weight gain. When you feel the urge to snack, stick to raw vegetables and fresh fruit. For protein, eat more fish or chicken (skinless) and less red meat. Count calories. You should consume about 18 calories a day per pound of body weight. For instance, if you weigh 120 pounds (and want to stay there), you should take in 2,160 calories daily. Consume more and you will gain; consume less and you will lose. And of course, exercise regularly; be physically active.

Hang in there! Don't return to smoking. Your body is begging you to stay smoke-free!

DAD CUT UP MOM'S CREDIT CARDS

DR. WALLACE: For the last year, my parents have really been fighting and arguing. It's so bad that whenever they go at each other, my 7-year-old brother starts crying and I have to calm him down.

The trouble usually starts because my dad says that my mother is spending too much money and has caused the family to be in debt. My dad cut up all of our credit cards and called to have them canceled. This caused my mother to throw a tantrum last night and I heard her tell my dad that she's had it and is thinking of leaving him.

I love both my parents very much and don't want to see our family divided. What can I do to help mend things between my mom and dad? — Worried, Tulsa, Okla.

WORRIED: At the next quiet moment, get together with Mom and Dad and let them know that their fighting upsets you and your little brother a great deal. Tell them how much you both love them. Then ask if they will do whatever is necessary — including seeing a marriage counselor — to solve their differences for the benefit of all concerned.

That's all you can do. Never get any further involved in your parents' squabbles and never choose sides. That would place you in a no-win situation.

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 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.