Family estrangement is far more common than most people realise — and it’s one of the toughest things to navigate. In this episode, I talk about:Why estrangement is so complex and full of grief. The hard truth: nobody has a “right” to us, and we don’t automatically have a right to them.Boundaries vs. flexibility — why estrangement is always a grey area. How to handle triggers around birthdays, Christmas and anniversaries.Getting your partner on board and preparing for tricky conversations with extended family.The role of “unbearable feelings” in family breakdowns, and how reflecting on these can open a path forward.If your family has been touched by estrangement, I hope this episode brings you some understanding, solidarity, and tools to navigate the grief and the possibility of change.Find more support and resources on Instagram @charlottethecounsellor or at charlottecummings.nz.