Boundaries
Boundaries are the limits you set for yourself and sometimes communicate to others. Boundaries should help us feel safe and emotionally secure in healthy relationships.
The best way to set boundaries is to be clear, consistent, and respectful. Here’s a practical approach:
- Know Your Limits: Reflect on what feels right or wrong for you—emotionally, physically, mentally, or time-wise.
- Communicate Clearly: Use direct, respectful language. For example, “I’m not comfortable discussing that,” or “I need some alone time after work.”
- Be Consistent: Reinforce your boundaries regularly. Mixed signals make them harder to respect.
- Stay Calm and Firm: If someone challenges your boundary, hold your ground without over-explaining or getting defensive.
- Use “I” Statements: These reduce blame. For example, “I feel overwhelmed when I get last-minute requests.”
- Expect Resistance: Especially if you’re setting boundaries for the first time. That’s normal, not a sign to give up.
- Follow Through: If someone repeatedly disrespects your boundary, enforce consequences (e.g., distance, limits on
