Why People Choose to Go Low Contact with Friends or Family

Are there people in your life who drain you? People you’d be better off not hearing from so often? For many, the answer is yes—and instead of cutting ties completely, more people are choosing something in between: going low contact.

Low contact (LC) is exactly what it sounds like. You’re not severing the relationship, but you’re reducing how often you interact and what you share. It’s a middle ground between staying fully engaged and cutting someone off.

💡 Why People Go Low Contact

Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Emotional or Mental Drain – Constant criticism, judgment, or drama leaves you anxious and resentful.
  

• Toxic Behavior – Manipulation, gaslighting, guilt-tripping, or boundary-breaking.
  

• Different Values or Beliefs – Conflict over politics, religion, lifestyle, or parenting.
  

• Life Changes – Marriage, kids, relocation, or health issues shift your priorities.
  

• Past Hurts – Old wounds that resurface in every conversation.
  

• Need for Space – Protecting your time for self-care or personal growth.
  

• Financial Boundaries – Relatives or friends who frequently ask for money or favors.
  

• Addiction or Risky Behavior – Keeping yourself safe when someone won’t get help.
  

• Overstepping Boundaries – Unwanted involvement in personal decisions.
  

• Social Media Fatigue – Drama, conflict, or oversharing that spills into real life.
  

🛠️ How to Go Low Contact Without Blowing Up the Relationship

• Decide Your Boundaries in Advance – How often will you see/talk to them? What topics are off-limits?
  

• Limit Communication Channels – Fewer texts, shorter calls, mute their social media if needed.
  

• Be Polite but Brief – You don’t owe a long explanation for declining invitations.
  

• Plan Neutral Meetups – A coffee shop feels safer than hosting in your living room.
  

• Avoid Triggers – Steer away from hot-button topics that always explode.
  

• Use “We” Language – “Let’s keep things light when we’re together” goes over better than “You stress me out.”
  

• Get Support Elsewhere – Lean on friends, therapy, or online communities.
  

• Stay Consistent – Mixed signals will confuse them (and you).
  

• Reassess Periodically – LC doesn’t have to be forever.
  

• Protect Your Peace – The ultimate goal isn’t punishment—it’s well-being.
  
  

🌟 The Bottom Line

Low contact isn’t about being cruel. It’s about preserving your energy, your peace, and your mental health. Sometimes that means stepping back, limiting your exposure, and reminding yourself: protecting your boundaries is not selfish—it’s necessary.