“Experts believe family estrangement is rising in the U.S., driven by shifting societal norms, social media and changing therapy practices …. Proponents hold that estrangement is being destigmatized, not necessarily happening more often, and that it can be needed and healing for adult children to cut off parents they deem harmful. Critics say the trend encourages self-centeredness and self-delusion and ruins families …. Here are other big trends that psychologists, sociologists and other experts believe are driving the estrangement crisis …. There is a culture clash happening right now between the meaning and dynamics of family….  The parents of adult children grew up in a culture of “compulsory kinship” ….   Families were supposed to be forever. Even when there were problems, adult children were expected to stay. This idea is now increasingly challenged …. Young people live in an identity-driven culture, defining themselves by their gender, race, sexuality, politics and mental health. This shift over the past several decades has been driven by both social media and a larger cultural movement that emphasizes personal expression and psychological well-being …. Most estrangement experts point to social media, and especially TikTok, as one of the biggest boosters of the trend …. Estrangement as self-care …. For decades, therapists urged families to communicate better and work out differences. But in recent years, many changed tack.” “Adults Cutting off Parents.” Wall Street Journal (Oct. 4, 2026).

A recent study discusses a number of issues concerning sexual issues involving older couples. The following is a summary of that study.

“Over the last two decades, frequent sexual intercourse has declined but other types of sexual activity have increased. …. Kissing or hugging is the most frequent type of sexual behavior during the past six months …. About a third of respondents report using a vibrator. …. Women are more likely than men to report using a vibrator for self-stimulation without a partner …. Men are more likely than women to report using a vibrator during sex with a partner …. One in three say they have used a vibrator for personal enjoyment. A similar number say they have used a vibrator during sex with a partner …. After infidelity most relationships do not end …. Infidelity has a negative impact on relationships, but few end their relationship. Just under a quarter say this scenario had no impact on their relationship, while over half say it caused tension in the relationship. Men are more likely than women to say that there was no effect on their relationship …. Stress, a decline in health, and life-stage changes are the most common factors impacting one’s sexual life …. As men and women get older, one thing doesn’t change with time: their ability to enjoy erotic pleasure. Unfortunately, health issues such as diabetes, high-blood pressure, stress, and physiological changes can take a toll on sexual functioning.” “Sex and Baby Boomers” AARP (2023).

“Psychologists have names for the two different operating systems a relationship can run on:

• In an exchange relationship, partners informally track what they give and what they get, and they expect things to even out fairly soon. For example: I did the school pickup Monday, so you’re doing it Tuesday. 
• In a communal relationship, partners give based on what the other person needs in the moment, without expecting a same-day return, trusting that things balance out over the life of the relationship rather than the day or week.

 Couples who use more “we” language during conflict show healthier physiological and emotional responses while they’re working through a conflict and afterward. Phrased this way, the issue stops being about one person’s ledger and starts being about the team’s workload — which, as it turns out, is a much easier problem to solve.

“Happiest Couples – Communal Relationships.” CNBC (Aug. 31, 2026).

“The search for a formula to explain why some relationships flourish and others fall apart has taken many forms. Today, that framework is known as attachment theory….. Studies have shown that the key to the success of a relationship is security — because trust, emotional safety and confidence in each other create the foundation for honest communication, deeper intimacy and lasting commitment …. Attachment styles reflect expectations and behaviors that can shift over time. While longitudinal studies show that they often endure, they are not permanent …. Neuroscientists have found that the brain remains plastic throughout adulthood, meaning repeated experiences of security can reshape the neural circuits that govern fear, trust and emotional regulation. In time, what once felt threatening can begin to feel like home.” “Attachment Theory & Couples.” Washington Post (July 30, 2026).

“After decades of urging families to communicate better and work on their issues together, some therapists are now taking an opposite tack: They’re encouraging estrangement as a means of self-care. Proponents of the trend hold that advising patients to consider a cutoff from a close relative or spouse they deem toxic or unsupportive can protect their mental health and allow for emotional growth. Meanwhile, critics—many of whom are researchers who have studied relationships for decades—say that it encourages self-centeredness and self-delusion and ruins families. Most therapists agree that sometimes people are justified in breaking ties with their parents or a close relative, especially if they were physically or emotionally abusive.”  “Therapists Advising Adult Children to Cut Contacts with Parents.” Wall Street Journal (July 21, 2026).

Women’s standard of living falls 45% after a gray divorce versus 21% for men, making Social Security strategy critical to financial survival.

A divorced woman married 10+ years can claim up to 50% of her ex’s Social Security benefit without his permission or reducing his check.

Claiming Social Security at 62 instead of 67 permanently cuts a $1,500 divorced-spouse benefit by roughly $450 a month, lost for life.

Many financial professionals are salespeople paid on what they push, not whether you end up wealthy..

“Grey Divorce and Women.” (2026).

 “Men were more likely than women to engage in sexual infidelity, and to do so more than once. Women were more likely to have emotional affairs, and with someone their primary partner knows …. The profound impact infidelity can have on both individuals and relationships, including heightened emotional turmoil and potential for subsequent relationship trust issues …. Women are more likely than men to engage in emotional affairs, cybersex, and online sources of infidelity. Additionally, women were more likely than men to become involved in infidelity when there were problems in the relationship or if they felt bored with their sex life, and to consider leaving their spouse because of their infidelity. They were also more likely to engage in infidelity with someone their spouse knew …. Emotional affairs can lead to the diversion of time, energy, and other resources from their primary partner, which may have historically been more problematic for women than men …. . Thus, women are often found to be more distressed at imagining their partner involved in an emotional relationship than a purely sexual one ….  In contrast, men are argued to be more concerned with sexual as opposed to emotional infidelity, given that they may end up investing in children who they do not know are unrelated to them biologically.” “The Truth About Infidelity – Women & Emotional Affairs.” Psychology (Jan. 2024).

“Learning that a spouse has been unfaithful is shattering. A betrayed spouse’s mind fills with questions: “How could you do this to me?” “Who was this person?” “How long has it been going on?” “What was the sex like?” “Do you love them?” “How will I ever be able to trust you again?” In the early aftermath, many couples have marathon talk sessions—and the unfaithful spouse is often willing to help the betrayed spouse regain equilibrium. But when the betrayed’ s “need to know” urge lingers, unfaithful spouses can begin to question the value of continuing to talk about it; after all, it doesn’t feel very good …. At this juncture many couples seek professional help. They’re looking for direction and a mediator—someone to tell them who’s right and who’s wrong …. Answers to questions about the infidelity can be painful for the betrayed spouse to hear; they may feel like lashing out at their partner. While this is understandable ….  Infidelity doesn’t always have to be a marriage-ender. In fact, after the hard work of mending, many couples find that they’re more in love than before, but they needed their therapist to offer concrete suggestions and firm coaching every step of the way.” “Dissolving Relationships.” Psychology (June 2026).

Universities are now forming groups to counter digital loneliness to increase social connectivity. “Socializing without Cell Phones.” Washington Post (May 8^th, 2026).

“Many college leaders are concerned about the amount of time students spend on screens and social media, worried that it is increasing isolation, loneliness and anxiety, shattering attention spans, and preventing social connections …. There is some hope and self- awareness. Young people have become more wary of social media, according to Pew Research Center findings. Nearly half of teens in a survey last year said social media sites have a mostly negative effect on people their age — up from just under a third in 2022 …. Actually connecting with people … or allowing yourself to sit with your own thoughts, doing things that were normal, is an act of defiance now,” “Socializing without Cell Phones.” Washington Post (May 8^th, 2026).