Many married couples in Korea sometimes choose to sleep separately, often as a strategy to manage conflict. This practice, referred to as SSR, is used as a way to temporarily avoid conflict until it can be resolved later.
Understanding Separate Sleeping Arrangements (SSR) in Korean Marriages
The decision to sleep separately is not necessarily a sign of marital distress but can instead be a proactive way of managing disagreements. This practice allows couples to have space to cool down and think before engaging in further discussions.
Reasons for Separate Sleeping Arrangements:
- Conflict Avoidance: As highlighted in the reference, couples may choose separate sleeping arrangements (SSR) to temporarily avoid conflict until it can be resolved later.
- Emotional Regulation: Separate bedrooms offer a space for each individual to manage their emotions without the potential for escalation.
- Individual Needs: Different sleep schedules or preferences might also lead a couple to sleep separately.
- Personal Space: Having a separate space can provide a sense of individuality and personal space within a marriage.
How SSR Works:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | A conflict arises between the couple. |
| 2 | One or both partners choose to sleep separately. |
| 3 | The separate space allows for emotional regulation and time to process the conflict. |
| 4 | The couple reconvenes later to resolve the conflict more calmly. |
When SSR Might Be Used
- After a fight: To prevent further arguments.
- During stressful times: To provide each partner with personal space.
- When sleep schedules differ: To allow both partners to sleep uninterrupted.
SSR as a Conflict Resolution Tool
While it might seem like avoidance, SSR in Korea is often used as a deliberate strategy to prevent escalation of conflict. It's seen as a way to take a break and approach the issue with a clearer mind later, rather than continuing the argument while emotionally charged.
The practice of separate sleeping is not necessarily indicative of a troubled marriage but rather a method employed by couples to navigate conflict in a way that is constructive and helps them maintain a healthy relationship over time.
