Boundary Setting

Boundaries are guidelines, rules, or limits that you make about how others can treat you. Setting boundaries is important if we want to be both physically and emotionally healthy. Having awareness to set and enforce limits, you protect your sense of self, maintain self-respect, and promote healthy relationships. Unhealthy boundaries cause emotional pain that can lead to dependency, depression, anxiety, and even stress-induced physical illness. 

The importance of setting boundaries

• To communicate your needs in a relationship 

• To set limits in a relationship in a way that is healthy

• To practice self-care and self-respect 

• To make time and space for positive interactions 

 Barriers to boundary setting

• Fear of abandonment

• Fear of confrontation

• Fear of rejection

• Safety Concerns 

• Guilt

 Tips for setting healthy boundaries

• Do it calmly 

• Do it firmly

• Do it respectfully

• Do it clearly

• Use few words 

Remember you are not responsible for other people’s reactions to the boundary that you are setting. Do not justify, get angry, or apologize for the boundary you are setting. Learning to set healthy boundaries takes time and is a process. So be kind to yourself when trying to set boundaries. Remember that setting boundaries is the path to empowerment.