‘No contact’ on the rise: Nearly 2 in 5 Americans cut ties with loved ones

More Americans are choosing to walk away from difficult relationships instead of working through them, a new survey has revealed.

Nearly two in five Americans — 38% — say they have gone "no contact" with a friend or family member in the past year, according to a survey of 2,000 adults conducted in March by Talker Research for the therapy platform Talkspace.

"These results suggest that avoiding relationship challenges is becoming more common," Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi, chief medical officer at Talkspace, said in a statement. "But that approach can come with its own risks, making it harder to sustain meaningful connections over time and leading to more loneliness."

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Younger Americans were far more likely than older generations to report cutting someone off. The survey found that 60% of Gen Z respondents had gone "no contact," compared to 50% of millennials, 38% of Gen X and 20% of baby boomers.

John Puls, a Florida-based psychotherapist and adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University, said he has seen a growing trend of young adults, including Gen Zers, going no contact with their parents in his practice.

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"This generation appears to have a low tolerance for otherwise poor behavior from their parents," Puls, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "They are often conflict-avoidant, which prevents them from trying to meaningfully work through their issues with their parents."

Their parents, meanwhile, are often unwilling to examine their role in any of the conflict within the relationship, Puls added. "This creates a situation where neither party is willing to compromise or take ownership."

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Thirty-six percent of overall respondents said the top reason for severing ties with someone was feeling disrespected. Nearly 30% said the relationship negatively affected their mental health or that the other person was too negative.

The cutoffs often appear to last. Among those who said they went "no contact" in the past year, 59% said they are still not speaking to the person, according to the survey.

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The findings also suggest that "no contact" may be part of a wider retreat from uncomfortable interactions. Nearly three-quarters of respondents, 73%, said their instinct during relationship problems is to distance themselves rather than communicate and work through the issue.

Other behaviors in the poll point in the same direction. More than a third of respondents said they had blocked a friend or family member on social media in the past year, while 30% said they had removed a loved one from a group chat.

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While the study was sponsored by a therapy platform and has not undergone peer review, experts have previously told Fox News Digital that "cutoff culture" is becoming normalized, with some arguing that media messaging — including from figures like Oprah Winfrey and the Beckhams — has helped drive the trend.

Many experts agree the tactic should be used only as a last resort.

Puls stressed that no case of going zero-contact with a family member or friend is the same and while it is necessary in rare situations, it often comes with long-term regret and resentment. "I always recommend my patients try ongoing family therapy, compromise and implementing boundaries," he said.

Nari Jeter, PhD, a Florida-based licensed marriage and family therapist, agreed. "Some people think that once you go no-contact, you’ll immediately feel peace — that’s usually not the case," she said.

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"This is often a heart-wrenching and even agonizing process," Jeter, who was not involved in the research, added.

But the move doesn't have to be forever, she noted: "No contact can become fertile ground for future reconciliation."

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Caitlin Clark pens heartfelt message to boyfriend Connor McCaffery as they celebrate relationship milestone

Caitlin Clark is used to celebrating milestones on the court, but her most recent one came off the floor.

Clark, 24, posted a heartfelt message to Instagram to celebrate her three-year anniversary with her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery.

"Three years with my fav," Clark captioned her post alongside two white heart emojis. "You’re the best."

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In the post, Clark was wearing a blue dress and looking at McCaffery, who was in a suit. The 27-year-old McCaffery took to his own Instagram account to celebrate the milestone.

"3 years with the most beautiful best friend," McCaffery posted, with a red heart and infinity emoji.

McCaffery’s post showed the couple together in a golf cart.

Clark and McCaffery began dating in April 2023 when the couple met at the University of Iowa. Both played college basketball, as Clark rewrote the history books during her legendary career, while McCaffery played six seasons.

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McCaffery’s six seasons playing basketball all came with his dad as the team’s head coach.

As Clark has ascended into superstardom with the Indiana Fever in the WNBA, McCaffery is following in his father’s footsteps. Following his playing days at Iowa, McCaffery spent one season with the Indiana Pacers as a team assistant in an entry-level position before joining Butler as an assistant coach.

Clark is entering her third season with the Fever and is looking to get back on track after an injury-plagued second season. As a rookie, she burst onto the scene, winning Rookie of the Year and coming fourth in MVP voting.

However, last season, she played just 13 games while battling a litany of injuries.

The Fever’s first preseason game is against the New York Liberty at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday.

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Texans general manager delivers strong denial regarding possibly trading star receiver: 'Shove it'

The Houston Texans have had difficulties getting beyond the wild-card round of the playoffs, which sometimes prompts some changes on a roster.

But for the Texans, if they want to play for a Super Bowl trip, they say it will be with their star receiver.

Nico Collins is entering his sixth NFL season, all with Houston, and signed a three-year, $72.75 million extension after his third. Set to reach free agency after the 2027 season, Collins has reportedly said to teammates that he believes he is underpaid.

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But despite Collins' apparent disappointment, he's not going anywhere.

"We’re not trading Nico Collins," Texans general manager Nick Caserio told reporters Friday.

"Whoever reported it or whatever information that they had, they can shove it. We’re not trading Nico."

Collins broke out in his third season, recording 80 receptions for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns -- in his first two seasons, he combined for 70 receptions, 927 yards and three touchdowns.

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Collins has since made two Pro Bowls and has recorded at least 1,000 yards in each of his last three seasons. He is set to be the 18th-highest-paid receiver in the league, despite, since 2023, being ninth in receiving yards and tied for eighth in touchdowns.

But since Collins signed his deal, numerous receivers have reached nine-figure deals, including Ja'Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb, Justin Jefferson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Collins is accompanied by Jayden Higgins and Tank Dell, and quarterback C.J. Stroud is still on his rookie deal. Caserio even shut down the notion that Stroud was available for trade earlier this season.

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'NFL RedZone' host Scott Hanson reveals the unique challenge of covering the Olympics on 'Gold Zone'

NFL fans who are used to seeing Scott Hanson on "NFL RedZone" on Sundays during the fall got to see him in a different setting over the winter.

Hanson, 54, was part of NBC Sports' "Gold Zone" during the Milan Cortina Olympic Games in February. The whip-around show, inspired by "NFL RedZone," covered all the happenings during the Olympic Games and gave viewers a look into as many different events as possible.

Hanson told Fox News Digital that hosting "Gold Zone" and "NFL RedZone" require different skills.

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"It's fascinating because it's red zone for the Olympics, and yet, there's a definite different dynamic to it, because when I'm doing RedZone, and I say, ‘Eagles-Giants, Philadelphia, down by four, no time outs remaining, first and goal from the five. Let's see if Jalen Hurts and Company can punch it in.’ Boom, I'm done," Hanson said in a recent interview with Lowe's.

"I don't go, ‘Eagles-Giants, first and goal, now there's 11 men over here, and there's 11 men over here, and they're trying to move that piece of leather over the goal line. Like, I don't have to do that."

Hanson said that for the Olympics he has to explain so much more to the viewer than just the game.

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"When I go to curling in the winter Olympics on Gold Zone, I do need to explain, ‘Okay, there's the stone, there's the house, there's the button, here's the scoring system, here's how long it lasts, everything,’" Hanson said.

"We got to explain the rules and the fundamentals of the sport on top of telling the personal stories of the athletes who are competing and the greater context in terms of what a gold medal would mean or what a loss would mean, that type of thing. So it's a heck of a challenge, but it's fun."

Hanson said that the audience told him that it was the most fun way to watch the Olympics because they knew that "Gold Zone" would cover everything that was happening.

The Milan-Cortina Olympic Games were Hanson’s second time being part of "Gold Zone," as he was a part of its coverage for the Paris 2024 Olympics, but it was his first Winter Olympics. Hanson said he is already signed on to be part of "Gold Zone" for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

"For those who enjoyed Gold Zone, I've already signed up to do the LA games in 2028," Hanson said. "So the Summer Games back in the United States is going to be epic, a couple of years from now."

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49ers GM John Lynch skeptical of Rams' decision to draft QB Ty Simpson with No. 13 overall pick

The San Francisco 49ers traded out of the NFL Draft’s first round on Thursday, so general manager John Lynch didn’t have a player to discuss when he met with reporters. No problem, because he started talking players a couple of division rivals drafted.

And it was fascinating.

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Lynch commented on what the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams did. And here’s the kicker:

Lynch clearly loved the Cardinals selecting running back Jeremiyah Love. But the Rams drafting quarterback Ty Simpson? With the No. 13 overall pick, no less?

Nope, not a fan.

Lynch was asked directly about the impact Simpson might have for the Rams next season. That was the question. Talk about Simpson's impact, John.  

"Well, first of all," Lynch began through a Cheshire Cat grin, "I think another team in our division, they got a player who is going to have an impact, and I am talking about Jeremiyah Love -- a fantastic player."

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So, the Cardinals and Love get the seal of approval from Lynch. But the Rams picking Simpson, not so much.

"Ty Simpson is a good football player," Lynch said, his words contrasting his enthusiasm for Love. "I think there was a lot made as to where he would go and what teams would do.

"It probably surprised everybody, but one thing I've learned over the years is that with quarterbacks, people will do those types of things, and they certainly did. So, we'll see."

Lynch just slimed what the Rams did in the most diplomatic way possible.

He made the point that picking Simpson that high was a surprise to "everybody," but teams do unorthodox things with quarterbacks.

(The 49ers did an unorthodox thing with their starting quarterback in that they selected Brock Purdy with the final pick of the 2022 draft, which seems like a much better value than picking Simpson at No. 13).

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Simpson, by the way, isn’t expected to play much in the coming season because Matthew Stafford is the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player and the club’s starter. The only way Simpson is pressed into starting duty is if something goes terribly wrong with Stafford.

And that’s perfect for a rookie that, by all accounts, needs to develop because he’s started only 15 collegiate games and comes with good although not necessarily spectacular athletic gifts.

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What makes Simpson’s early selection by the Rams curious is that they are in win-now mode. They want to maximize talent around their 38-year-old quarterback before he retires.

Simpson doesn’t do that. He’s a pick made with eyes on the future. So, the logic of the pick at the lofty spot it was made is questionable.

As 49ers general manager John Lynch basically just told us.

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Ilhan Omar vinegar attacker changes plea after chaotic onstage rush

The Minneapolis man who sprayed Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., with vinegar during a January town hall is changing his plea to guilty on federal charges.

Anthony James Kazmierczak's alleged assault on Omar occurred weeks after Renee Good was killed by an ICE agent, which heightened tensions between federal officials and Democratic state leaders. Democratic leadership called for federal agents to leave Minnesota.

In March, Kazmierczak pleaded not guilty to one federal count of assaulting a United States officer, but an April court filing from his attorney, John Fossum, said Kazmierczak will change his plea to guilty after they have "reached a settlement" with federal prosecutors. Kazmierczak's change-of-plea hearing is scheduled for May 7.

The details of the settlement are unknown. Fox News Digital reached out to Kazmierczak's lawyer for comment.

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Video of the Jan. 27 town hall showed Kazmierczak rushing the stage as Omar spoke. She was calling for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to step down and for ICE agents to leave Minnesota.

He pulled out a syringe filled with apple cider vinegar and water and attempted to douse the congresswoman with the liquid before an officer stepped in.

"She’s not resigning," Kazmierczak said in the video, referring to Noem.

Kazmierczak also pointed his finger at Omar, screaming, "You’re splitting Minnesotans apart."

Omar was not injured and continued her town hall after Kazmierczak was arrested.

"I’m ok. I’m a survivor so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work. I don’t let bullies win. Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong," Omar wrote in a post on X at the time.

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Since the incident, Kazmierczak has been held in custody. A magistrate judge ruled that the "exceedingly serious and dangerous circumstances" of the assault allegations make it impossible to ensure that public safety is not at risk if Kazmierczak is released on bail.

During the investigation, an FBI agent interviewed an associate of Kazmierczak, who claimed Kazmierczak once said "somebody should kill" Omar.

"Assaultive behavior and acts of intimidation directed at officers and employees of the United States will not be tolerated," said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. "Persons who engage in this criminal conduct can expect a swift response from law enforcement and federal prosecutors.

Fox News Digital reached out to the United States Attorney's Office District of Minnesota for comment.

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Shocker! Kyle Brandt-Seth Rollins on-set spat was staged

For those of you who aren't sickos like the rest of us and didn't pay attention to every piece of pre-draft media that came your way, there was a little bit of a tiff on the set of Good Morning Football at the site of the NFL Draft Thursday morning.

Host Kyle Brandt and WWE superstar Seth Rollins were discussing the differences between being a professional wrestler at age 39 and an NFL player at 42, and things got a little heated.

Rollins stormed off the set, leaving Brandt and the rest of his co-hosts stunned, with the latter begging the former to return and finish his segment.

Social media caught wind of this and it blew up into a full-on feud between Brandt and Rollins.

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Or, at least, that's what they wanted you to think, because on Friday morning following the first round of the NFL Draft, the two supposed enemies shared the GMFB stage in Pittsburgh and had a nice, hearty chuckle about the whole incident.

Apparently, the whole thing was staged, and only a few people in addition to Rollins and Brandt knew about it, so much so that even the production team was in the dark about the two of them essentially cutting a promo on live television.

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Shock and awe! Who could have seen this coming?

Well, apparently, a lot of people, because several of the comments under the original video on X claim that the two of them are doing a bit, and this was before anyone else knew it was a work between the host and wrestler.

Okay, we get it! You guys are so much smarter than everyone else on the internet.

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In fairness to them, it's easier to just assume everything is either staged or AI these days, so it was probably prudent to just say it's fake and play the odds.

Hell, everyone still thinks the Will Smith-Chris Rock Oscars slap was staged.

Plus, Kyle Brandt is a former reality star, so if anyone was going to pull off something like this, it would be him.

Well played, gentlemen.

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