Growing Number of Americans Opt for “No Contact” in Relationships
A new survey shows that more people in the U.S. are choosing to walk away from challenging relationships rather than trying to work through issues. Conducted in March with 2,000 adults by Talker Research for the therapy platform Talkspace, the survey revealed that nearly 38% of Americans have cut ties with a friend or family member in the past year.
Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi, chief medical officer at Talkspace, highlighted the trend, saying that avoiding tough conversations is becoming more common. “However, this approach can lead to feelings of loneliness and make it harder to maintain meaningful connections,” she noted.
Younger Generations More Likely to Cut Ties
The survey found that younger adults are significantly more likely to go “no contact.” About 60% of Gen Z participants reported cutting off contact, compared to 50% of millennials, 38% of Generation X, and just 20% of baby boomers.
John Puls, a psychotherapist from Florida, has noticed this trend in his practice, especially among younger adults who are more willing to distance themselves from parents. He noted that young people often have little patience for what they see as poor behavior from their elders, which can lead to avoiding conflict instead of addressing it.
Reasons Behind the Breaks
According to the survey, the main reason for cutting ties was feeling disrespected, reported by 36% of respondents. Almost 30% stated that the relationship negatively affected their mental health or that the other person had a negative outlook.
Surprisingly, many of these breakups seem permanent. Among those who went “no contact,” 59% are still estranged from the person after a year. The findings indicate a trend toward distancing oneself rather than engaging in difficult dialogues. About 73% of respondents said their instinct during relationship troubles is to withdraw rather than communicate.
Seeking Help Before Cutting Off Contact
While the survey was not peer-reviewed, experts believe that the “cutoff culture” is becoming more accepted. Some attribute this shift to influences from the media. Nevertheless, professionals recommend that cutting ties should only be a last resort.
John Puls encourages patients to explore options like family therapy and setting boundaries before ending a relationship. “It’s important to try to work through issues,” he said.
Nari Jeter, a licensed marriage and family therapist, added that going “no contact” often brings its own challenges. “Many believe it will bring peace immediately, but that is rarely the case. It’s often a painful decision, and it doesn’t have to be a permanent one.”
Overall, while distancing oneself may seem like an easy solution, experts urge individuals to consider alternative methods for resolving their disputes before making lasting decisions.
