Maintaining Healthy Boundaries
Boundaries are a form of self respect.
They are the lines we draw that protect ourselves both physically and emotionally.
Some examples can include:
Telling your mother in law that she needs to call before she comes over.
Telling your partner that you need some alone time each day.
Saying no.
Not taking on anything extra if you don’t have time, or simply don’t want to.
In the beginning it can be hard to set and maintain boundaries. For some people saying “no” can cause feelings of guilt or fear. This can happen when you’re used to putting other people’s needs before your own, or when you’re trying to avoid conflict. Not having boundaries can lead to feelings of anger and resentment, even anxiety and depression.
Some important things to remember about boundaries:
You need to communicate them! No one will know what you need or want without some form of communication.
It’s normal for boundaries to change as you learn and grow.
Boundaries help to set expectations.
Boundaries create safety.
Sometimes they will need to be set and reset.
“No” is a complete sentence.
It is possible to respectfully set and maintain boundaries.