Often, the shared living situation among hostel mates makes them see each other almost as family while in that environment. The bonds that organically develop as a result of this can sometimes lead to life-long connections that last beyond their tenure at the living space. However, one characteristic of families is that, no matter how much you love each other, it is inevitable that certain kinds of conflict get brewed and surface from time to time. Varying personalities, relationship dynamics with one another, academic pressures and stresses, and other factors are all ingredients that solidify the inevitability of such friction between even the most well-intended of people within shared environments. This article isn’t about the spiritual healing required to transcend the shadow sides of peer bonding. Nor is it entirely about how to sustain being grounded on that ideal path of least conflict. Here, we’re mainly going to cover how to handle those situations if and when they do arise. Let’s explore the art of resolving conflicts with hostel mates, regardless of whose fault they may be.
It’s debatable whether the human ego can even be genuinely tamed, nevermind killed entirely, but it is no doubt possible that one could be mindful of theirs, and it requires this certain degree of self-awareness if one must navigate through hostel life without finding themselves in heated tensions with their peers. The kind of self-awareness that upholds mutual respect even through the most trying of times. One must remember that we need to treat others the way we want to be treated and use our empathy skills to see from the perspective of the other person part of the conflict. The birth of such understanding as a result is the first step in resolving conflicts with hostel mates.
Communication is key, and the more accurate, open, and respectful you are in your communication, the lesser is the possibility of finding yourself in misunderstanding-fueled conflict with your peers at the hostel. You must be clear of your intentions and know how to communicate them well with honesty. However, know that brutal honesty just for the sake of being brutal might not be the most peaceful path in resolving conflicts with hostel mates. Don’t lose focus of the bigger picture.
Conflict resolution is almost always impossible without compromise. If you are capable of compromise, you’re capable of sustaining relationships. Peace sometimes requires the sacrifice of idealism, and sometimes the only way you can end a conflict is by valuing your own peace more than the desire to win the battle.
S’ Residences is not such a battleground for students living here, and there are mediators who can intervene and maintain the safe space for everyone that is. We’re more of a family but as explained above, families do fight, and if such friction does emerge, you now know how to go about resolving conflicts with hostel mates. Every person here is valued. Every feeling is valued. Most importantly, the sanctity of everyone’s mental health is upheld at all times. Their academics depend on it, and as a result, so might the future of the world.