Therefore, learning conflict resolution is critical to resolving problems before they become significant issues. To help you out, we’ve added the top tips and tricks to mediate roommate conflicts:
What are Conflict Resolution and Mediation?
Disagreements that turn into conflicts can create a divide and negative feelings between two people. For an argument to turn into a conflict, it must:
- Have elements of communication
- Impact the well-being of the individuals involved
- Cause the people to perceive the other as interfering with the achievement of their goals
Mediation and conflict resolution are informal yet helpful ways of solving these conflicts. Here, as a neutral peer mediator, you can create a safe space for both parties to discuss complex issues, understand each other, and find solutions.
When mediation fails to work, a peer conflict coach resolves the issues by helping you and the other person explore options to manage the situation successfully
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Resolving Roommate Conflicts
A tiny mistake when resolving conflict can cause them to turn into a row. Here are several things to avoid when solving an issue in your campus housing:
A tiny mistake when resolving conflict can cause them to turn into a row. Here are several things to avoid when solving an issue in your campus housing:
- Don’t speak to each roommate separately throughout the conflict-resolving process
- At the same time, avoid speaking with the roommate throughout the process. Instead, combine the two strategies to facilitate communication
- Ignoring the conflict and giving it time to work itself out
- Telling both parties what they should say
Tips to Mediate Roommate Conflicts
Here are three tips you can explore to confront conflicts and make campus housing a pleasant experience:
Addressing the Issue
Approach the issue slowly by:
- Knocking on your roommate’s door and asking if you can enter
- Confirming whether this is a good time for you both to talk
- Discussing the issue by being direct
- Giving your roommate space to talk
- Offering every individual the opportunity to share their perspective
- Revisiting your roommate agreements now and then
Using the LARA Method
Facilitate student engagement between roommates by trying the LARA method:
- L (Listen)- In this stage, you must practice active listening by maintaining eye contact, nodding your head, and showing interest
- An (Affirm/Acknowledge)- Similar to the first step, the listener engages by saying affirming sentences like, “I can understand why ______ is difficult for you” or “I see why this is important to you.”
- R (Respond)- Here, the RA engages the student by responding to what the individual says
- An (Add)- The individual offers solutions or provides additional info. Avoid giving advice or expressing a personal opinion
Making Time for Honest and Open Discussions
Letting things go but secretly holding the belief that your roommate will repeat the same mistake can cause negative feelings.
Avoid letting these emotions come between friendships by addressing concerns head-on. Ask both parties to make time for honest and open discussions where they both talk about things that upset them.
Ensure they keep the conversations going without making personal attacks.
The Bottom Line
Conflicts are natural and will arise when you spend most of your time with someone.
While resolving conflicts and improving student engagement, it’s critical to remember your goal is to overcome the obstacle, not make your relationship with the person the obstacle.
Sometimes, you may agree to disagree, and that’s okay. You and your friend don’t have to share the same thoughts, ideas, and beliefs to be besties.
