© 2026 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace St.
Buffalo, NY 14202

Toronto Address:
130 Queens Quay E.
Suite 903
Toronto, ON M5A 0P6


Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
BTPM NPR Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Differing shades of blue wavering throughout the image
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

When loved ones become strangers

A picture taken in Chatillon, south of Paris shows a view on the garden.
A picture taken in Chatillon, south of Paris shows a view on the garden.

Our relationships are one of the things that define us. The lessons we inherited from our parents, the language we share with our siblings—these are all part of who we are.

So, what happens when these relationships end? Estrangement can take many different shapes, but the process of severing these connections—or being cut off—is almost always painful. This pain can feel especially sharp during the holidays.

We speak to Anna Sale, the host of “Death, Sex and Money” from WNYC about their three-part series on estrangement and family.

Can separation be useful for protecting yourself?

Copyright 2022 WAMU 88.5

Haili Blassingame