"I can never understand why most psychologists and matrimonial guidance counselors in the West think that they were the first ones to come up with the concept of advising quarrelling couples to 'Take time out' as a means of resolving domestic issues.
There's nothing new in this. Men with wifely ear-ache have been seeking refuge in the pub, in their garden shed or down at the allotments for centuries past while wives have visited friends houses or other establishments to rid themselves of the tedium of their husbands. I can remember my father going out for many a long walk or even cutting the grass of his large house lawn for two or three hours (even when it didn't require mowing), just to get his 'time out' and away from mum.
I once read that couples in Indonesia and the Polynesian Islands have found it just as effective to achieve their 'time out' during the past four hundred years simply by sitting at opposite sides of a tree trunk, and staying there until their problem has been resolved. This process inevitably leads the warring couple talking to each other with their backs to each other. During this process, they 'get it out of their system' what they think is currently wrong with their relationship, even if it involves hurtful truths. They believe that giving criticism comes easier when one isn't looking directly at the person they are criticising. They also believe that listening to severe criticism of oneself with backs turned, forces the offended person to be less dismissive of what they hear and leads them to consider their action from a more balanced perspective; thereby being more willing to amend their ways. They found that this method of 'time out' makes it possible to look at life from a different direction and finish up happily looking at one another again!"
It is in short what modern therapists would call 'emotional distancing' and invariably charge you £40 for the knowledge and which is totally unnecessary, especially in these economically lean times. In fact, it could be said to be a 'rip off.' Far better instead to simply advise both disputing partners to find an old tree trunk and sort it out on their own and save their money for a celebratory drink and make-up meal out afterwards. And should that not work, then there is always a visit to friends for coffee, the pub or the allotments!" William Forde: April 18th, 2017.