About this episode

This episode explores the impact of family estrangement on happiness and the complexities of mending broken relationships.

Family estrangement is strangely common—affecting one-third of American adults today. While cutting ties can bring temporary relief, research suggests that, over time, it often resembles grief. In this episode of Office Hours , I explore why family, one of the four pillars of happiness, is central to meaning, what is driving the rise in estrangement, and why conflicts over values and identity have become so difficult to repair. Most importantly, I discuss what it actually takes to mend broken relationships: the difference between healthy boundaries and permanent rupture, and the two qualities that help families overcome deep disagreement and stay connected. — Brought to you by: • ⁠ David Protein ⁠ —The most effective portable protein on the planet ⁠⁠⁠https://davidprotein.com/arthur⁠⁠ • ⁠⁠⁠ Noble Mobile ⁠⁠⁠ —With Noble, there is only one plan: The No-Bull Plan. It’s simple. It’s transparent. And if you use less data, you get cash back. Get an exclusive offer at: ⁠⁠⁠https://noblemobile.com/arthurbrooks⁠⁠⁠ — Where to find Arthur Brooks: • Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://arthurbrooks.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • In-person Retreats…

People in this episode

Host: Arthur Brooks

Topics covered

• family estrangement
• mental health
• relationships
• happiness
• conflict resolution

Keywords

• family estrangement
• happiness
• mental health
• relationships
• conflict resolution
• boundaries
• grief

Sponsors

David Protein, Noble Mobile

More episodes of Office Hours with Arthur Brooks

• The Diet Protocols for Happiness · May 25, 2026 · 46 min
• 4 Ways to Get Better at Friendship · May 18, 2026 · 48 min
• Stop Trying to be Perfect · May 11, 2026 · 44 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Office Hours with Arthur Brooks podcast page.