When is it OK to go "no contact" with a family member? And what even is "no contact," really?
Oprah Winfrey explored these questions on "The Oprah Podcast," in an episode released Tuesday, Nov. 25, ahead of Thanksgiving. In the episode, audience members opened up about cutting off all contact with close relatives − even their parents.
"I know this is a tender, hot-button topic," Winfrey said in the episode. "My hope is that we can open up the heart space and really listen. I'm not on anybody's side. I just want to hear what everyone has to say."
As with many relationship dynamics, going "no contact" is often complicated. For some, it's a crucial way to preserve one's mental health and distance from abusive people. Relationship experts previously told USA TODAY, however, that it is possible for "no contact" to go wrong, particularly when it's used as a form of manipulation, rather than as a form of self-protection.
"No contact" is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: You cut off all communication with someone. This means no meet-ups, no phone calls, no texting and no interaction on social media. If you happen to run into each other, you either avoid them or keep the interactions short and emotionally neutral.
