Roommate dealing with stinky litter box

Dear Amy: I recently moved into a new house with new roommates in a new city. I moved in after only a short Zoom tour of the place. Oops, I won’t make that mistake again.

When I was talking with the roommates, one of the things they mentioned was how they liked not having a chore chart, preferring to live a more go-withthe-flow method of doing chores.

I didn’t realize that meant not doing chores at all. I’m in my 20s, so this isn’t too surprising.

I have resigned myself to look for a new place, do some cleaning where I can, and to spend most of my time in my room.

However, there is one thing I just can’t adjust to: The cat’s litter box is in the bathroom. It emits an ungodly smell. I’ve cleaned the bathroom three times now (I suspect I’m the only person who has ever cleaned the bathroom), and the smell just keeps coming back.

I don’t want to lecture this woman on how often you need to scrub out a litter box, but it’s gotten so bad that I’m avoiding showering.

I know I should talk to her about it, but I used to have a roommate who would scream at me if I even brought up problems concerning her cat.

How do I get past my issues with my old roommate and address the pungent lifestyle of my current ones? How do I delicately tell the people I live with that they literally stink? Please help!

— Stinky Situation

Dear Stinky: A litter box should be cleaned and scooped out every day. It takes literally moments to do this, and it’s better for the cat, and the people who live with the cat. A dirty litter box can cause serious health problems for a cat and is a big stressor for both cats and people.

Yes, you should address this issue: “Carly, could you please clean your cat’s litter box? The smell is really intense.” You should assume a neutral attitude and keep your request brief and specific.

No, you don’t want to be screamed at, but you’ll have to be brave, calm and assertive.

You could also ask your current roommates to have a “house meeting” in order to try to establish some basic guidelines. They’ve already marked you as tidier and more hygienic than they are, and they might anticipate some of your concerns and dismiss them — but you might also make some headway.

Brickunderground.com hosts a helpful website and podcast for city dwellers, including a list of questions to ask perspective roommates. Interview future roommates and encourage them to interview you!

Dear Amy: I’m a divorced 52-year-old woman.

I’m physically fit and have had a career in nursing for 20 years. For the past two years, I have been dating a gentleman who is 35 years old. He now wants to take our relationship a step further and wants us to move in together.

He is mature and stable. His career is in law enforcement, and he has recently been promoted to sergeant. Do you have any advice for me?

— Wondering

Dear Wondering: My advice to you would be the same I’d offer to anyone else: Discuss your values, habits and personal finances before moving in together. Disclose your debts. Put in writing any financial agreements or arrangements you two make.

Both should contribute to a joint account for household expenses, but otherwise keep your own savings and investments separate.

Agree to have a formalized “family meeting,” either on a regular weekly schedule, or whenever either partner needs to discuss something important.

Love each other as well as you can for as long as you can.

If you have any hesitation — no matter how opaque — you should not co-habit.

Dear Amy: The question from “On the Fence” made me so sad because it reminded me of my own situation.

In my case, my own mother was so horrible to my wife that I urged my wife to keep her distance. She in turn supported my need to have some contact with my mother, and I appreciated that — but it was quite painful.

— Recovering

Dear Recovering: You are fortunate to be in a mutually supportive marriage.