How about; "I have no relationship with them and prefer it that way." Dead sounds shocking and even though thats what you want to say, it will put people off. But by all means, say it here, to your shrink and any one you may be close to. Saying it outloud feels good. It might make some people even laugh. If you are Jewish, or are around someone that is, you might make the motion of tearing your sleeve, a sign of morning in the Jewish culture. It always brought a laugh to my ex.