Therapists Warn That Silence Can Come At A Cost
The survey suggests that “no contact” is part of a much broader shift in how Americans handle uncomfortable situations. Nearly 73% of respondents admitted their first instinct during relationship problems is to distance themselves instead of talking through the issue. That preference for avoiding confrontation extends beyond face-to-face interactions, with more than one-third saying they blocked a friend or family member on social media during the past year, while 30% removed someone from a group chat.
For therapists, these numbers point to more than changing communication habits. Florida-based psychotherapist John Puls says many younger adults appear to have developed a lower tolerance for unhealthy behaviour from parents and relatives, making them more willing to end relationships that previous generations might have tried to preserve. At the same time, he believes many parents are reluctant to acknowledge their own role in family conflict, leaving both sides feeling unheard and unwilling to compromise.
That combination can create a cycle where conversations never happen. Instead of discussing years of frustration, resentment or disappointment, people often retreat into silence. While the immediate relief may feel comforting, experts warn that unresolved conflict rarely disappears simply because communication has stopped.
Is “No Contact” Healthy Or Harmful?
Mental health professionals agree that cutting contact is sometimes the safest option. Situations involving abuse, manipulation, violence, or persistent emotional harm may leave little room for reconciliation, making distance an important step toward protecting someone’s wellbeing. In those cases, establishing firm boundaries can help people recover from years of damaging experiences.
The concern arises when “no contact” becomes the default response to every serious disagreement. Relationship experts argue that conflict is an unavoidable part of every close relationship, whether between parents and children, siblings, partners, or friends. Walking away before every difficult conversation can prevent people from developing the communication skills needed to repair healthy relationships.
