Dear Harlan,

I live in a house with six other people, and despite all my efforts, my roommates have little respect for me. Before I moved I told my roommates that I couldn't live around animals because I'm allergic to animals, especially cats. A month later, they took in a stray cat. I suffered through sneezing, hives and itchy eyes until my one roommate took it away (but they later brought in another cat). I'm a non-smoker, and half of my roommates smoke cigarettes. They promised not to smoke in the house, but still do. Now, one roommate's boyfriend is practically living with us. He never leaves, eats my food, smokes constantly (including weed) and has sex in the shower with my roommate. I recently found a condom wrapper in our bathroom. It is awkward for me, and I donknow how to bring it up to her. My other girl roommates feel uncomfortable too, but haven't said anything to her. I don't want to be the "bad guy." I move out in June, but I can't stand it. Any suggestions?

Miserable Roommate

 

Dear Miserable,

Don't want to be the bad guy? What? Having uncomfortable conversations are part of being the perfect roommate. Sure, there's a chance things will get uncomfortable, but without having uncomfortable conversations about uncomfortable situations, you're guaranteed an uncomfortable living situation - this includes condoms, filth, cats, smoke, sex next door and the roommate you never wanted. If you weren't afraid of being the bad guy, you would have made it clear earlier in the year that the cat goes or you go. If you had to go, it would have been a gift. You'd now be living in bliss. Lesson learned: Never again be afraid to be the bad guy.