We should be wary of a culture that treats relational rupture as a form of self-care. Human development does not occur inside bubbles of self-righteousness. It occurs through friction, disappointment, repair, and humility.

This coincides with another well-documented trend: rising narcissism, or at least rising narcissistic traits. The self has become the central moral reference point. Personal truth has replaced shared truth. Authenticity is prized over accountability. Subjective feeling over objective reality.

Within this worldview, relationships exist to validate... See more

The Beckham saga illustrates this shift vividly. Brooklyn Beckham’s public denunciations of his parents use the now-familiar language of control, emotional safety, boundaries, and self-preservation. His claims may or may not be justified – that is not the point. What matters is the cultural script available to him. The script says: if a... See more

Estrangement between parents and adult children is not new. What is new is how quickly it is now moralised, legitimised, and even encouraged. “Going no contact” has become a cultural script. “Setting boundaries” is treated as an unquestionable virtue. “Protecting my peace” is offered as sufficient justification for relational rupture.