As described here, “no contact” is a very firm, black and white boundary. Boundaries are critical in break-ups, but the extreme “no contact” version is not always feasible, like when there are young children involved.

I found that once I established firm boundaries with my ex, and explained them to her, I was able to let go of the anger and hurt I felt from her behavior. It wasn’t “no contact”, but it was restricted to essential contact, and it provided sufficient emotional protection so that I could move forward, unencumbered by white hot resentment. Over time, I have softened the boundaries, but as they say, good fences make good neighbors.