Ask Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

After a recent falling out with my roommates , I confided in my best friend , who told me her sorority sister was looking for a place .

Her friend called me and seemed adamant about wanting her own bedroom and bath . This meant the rent would be sky-high . My best friend didn't give her the details of what I wanted  , and I am on a budget .

Although I told her I would meet with her to apartment hunt , how do I let this girl know I'm not interested anymore ? I know this situation puts my best friend in an awkward   situation . She helped me find someone , and now I'm no longer interested .

Joy

Dear Joy,

You hav e to be honest with your friend and potential new roommate . Tell them you what you are looking for in a new place and exac tly what your parameters  are . Talk about the amount of rent you can afford (don't inflate the amount , either). Explain what you want in a space and a roommate 'BEFORE' you go apartment hunting . That's how you will find out if this woman is a match for you.

If all that has occured thus far is one-sided meaning the woman told you her desires , it's your turn to share yours . You have no reason to feel uncomfortable about that . Just state your terms  and see what happens . You may be pleasantly suprised .

Maxy

Dear Maxy,

My sister recently moved home with my parents , and she will not stop fighting with my mother . I am close to both my mother and  my sister , but they each constantly complains to me about each other . I want to help solve their problems , but I'm worried it will strain any relationship with them if I intervene.

How can I talk to them without causing more problems ?

Beverly

Dear Beverly ,

Talk to your dad about the two of you staging an intervention with your mother and sister .

Confront them together  , and tell them that you don't understand why they are constantly fighting .

Ask them to get to the bottom of their issues and choose to speak more respectfully to each other .

Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

I'm not an expert , but I recommend that "itching in KY" and other homeowners with bedbug problems  place their guests bed matteress in a full matteress cover or other non-penetrable  material with a zipped closure .

Fellow Kentuckian

Dear  Fellow ,

With bedbugs such a problem , it can't hurt to protect yourself before the critters move in .

Some of these matteress covers also protect against dust mites and allergens .

Maxy