Set Boundaries, Find Peace

In a section focused on identifying boundary violations, attention is drawn to certain behavioral patterns that are frequently not recognized as boundary issues. These patterns include sending mixed signals, guilt-tripping, and codependency.

Emotional boundary violations include a person telling other people how they should feel. Sexual boundary violations occur when a person touches another, makes sexual comments or engages in sexual activity without consent.

Confidence in your boundaries is the cure for self-sabotage.

Violations of material boundaries include treating someone’s possessions carelessly or demanding that a person share belongings. And people who demand that someone drop everything to help them, or call or email excessively, are violating time boundaries. Common boundary violations among friends include pressure to lend possessions or money, expecting advice about romantic distress, giving or receiving unsolicited advice, and neediness.

Three keys to setting limits and ensuring people respect them:

Be clear, be direct, and don’t try to avoid the discomfort and guilt that often accompany protecting your boundaries.

When you communicate your boundaries, stay calm and be straightforward. State your needs and expectations clearly. Then take action to enforce the boundaries you’ve stated. Don’t allow people to violate them. Difficult individuals might test your limits, question your actions, get defensive or cut off communication – you’ll have to accept these responses as the price of setting boundaries. 

If someone continually violates your boundaries, reduce your interactions with the person or let the person know you’ll end the relationship if necessary.

Creating healthy boundaries leads to feeling safe, loved, calm and respected.

Express your needs, and don’t expect your partner to fulfill every one of them. Don’t allow little issues to build up and create resentment. If your relationship is healthy, setting boundaries shouldn’t cause negativity or disruption.

Strengthen your boundaries with yourself by meeting your own expectations, such as maintaining healthy financial habits, resting when your body needs it or seeing a therapist regularly. Create boundaries for yourself regarding the use of electronic devices and social media. Turn off news alerts and take scheduled breaks.

A rich understanding of people’s vulnerability and need for connection.

In expressing that need, many don’t realize they protect themselves insufficiently.

The value of the material for people who are experiencing the pain and chaos of porous boundaries will likely outweigh these criticisms.