Why more people are cutting ties to those closest to them

FAMILIES are becoming increasingly estranged. Siblings stop speaking to one another, and in some cases, parents and children disown each other altogether.

- KAMOGELO MAKHURA

THE Beckham family feud continues to intensify after it was revealed that Brooklyn sent his parents a legal letter, stating that, going forward they must contact him through lawyers. | Instagram

(Instagram)

If the 21st century is defined by anything culturally, it may be the rise of family rifts, particularly those playing out in the public eye. Family splitting appears to be a growing trend, and it is often as painful as it is visible.

There can be no greater hurt than being disowned or mistreated by a family member. It cuts to the core of who we are as human beings. We did not evolve to survive alone, and when family bonds break, the pain can feel deeply primal.

For most of human history, being rejected by one’s family or tribe meant death. It signified the loss of protection, food and belonging. Because of this, the brain does not process family rejection as mere emotional discomfort, but as an existential threat.

Behavioural counsellors say that when a family withdraws love or acceptance, it doesn’t just feel like conflict; it feels like a threat to who we are and whether we deserve to exist as ourselves.

In the modern world, where individuals change faster than families can adapt, this ancient wound is being triggered more often and more visibly.

These breakups are often intense and are filled with so much drama that it is shocking to witness.

The Beckham family feud

Just recently, we learned that the Beckhams' family feud is getting so intense that even lawyers are now involved.

According to multiple online reports, Brooklyn Beckham instructed his parents to only contact him through lawyers.

Furthermore, he reportedly also shared that he does not want Victoria or David to make statements about him on social media or even contact him.