For an increasing number of young adults, cutting all ties with one or both parents is seen as a necessary way to manage difficulties in the relationship. But it is rarely a satisfying one. How likely are you to deploy this strategy?
1. I believe that going no-contact with a parent is necessary to solve some problems.
2. I feel ashamed that my parent and I aren’t speaking.
3. If a parent disapproves of your lifestyle choice(s), it’s okay to cut them off.
4. I often think of my parent even though we are not in contact.
5. When my parent apologizes for how they hurt me growing up, I will consider talking to them again.
6. I didn’t realize how deficient my childhood was until I became an adult.
7. My parent is too emotionally rigid.
8. Until my parent can admit what they did wrong, it’s best not to talk to them.
9. In adulthood, having a relationship with a parent is optional.
10. My parent has no clue that their child-raising approach was harmful.
11. I do not see eye-to-eye with my parent on many things, but we have an okay relationship.
12. If I mention anything bad about my childhood, my parent acts as if I’m accusing them of a crime.
13. My partner helped me understand that cutting off contact with my family is best for me.
14. My parent cannot accept that anything they did was traumatic to me.
15. I have tried to set boundaries with my parent, but they always wind up violating them.
16. I would consider reconnecting with my family but only under specific terms for contact.
17. My parent keeps trying to contact me, and I wish they would stop.
18. Because my relationship with my parent is stressful, contact is best avoided altogether.
19. If my parent wants to see me again, they’re the one who will have to change.
20. Feeling lonely is not enough of a reason to be in touch with my parent.