What Are Boundaries

Communication is key to maintaining healthy boundaries especially if someone consistently oversteps your boundaries.

“Say ‘no’ simply but firmly to something you do not want to do. Do not feel that you need to explain” (Kairns, 1992). Not overexplaining is a crucial aspect of setting bound...

Be consistent and steady

This helps to reinforce your original thresholds and beliefs, and ensures those lines remain clearly established.

Loosening those boundaries from time to time can lead to confusion for you and for those around you.

Feel free to a...

6. Boundaries can inspire improved communication. Your setting of ground rules and showing others where you stand—can inspire them to do the same.

7. As you build healthier boundaries, your self-esteem goes up as well. You will see that your value is not dependent on how useful you are to o...

A. Physical: Your personal space, privacy, and body. “Don’t get so close to me.” “Don’t enter my room without asking.”

B. Sexual. Your expectations concerning intimacy. “We need to use contraception if we’re going to start sleeping together.”

C. Intellectual: Boundaries concerning you...

1. Self-reflection: Take time to understand why a certain something (personal space, time alone, get-togethers with friends) is important to you and how you will benefit from it.

2. If you don’t have many boundaries in place yet, build your additions slowly. Introducing the...

E. Financial: Your guidelines for lending, giving or donating money. "I can have dinner with you, but let's go Dutch." "Don't use my credit card to buy your makeup."

F. Time: When and how much time you can spare. “I can only stay for an hour.” “Do you have time to help me figure this out?”

9. Career-wise healthy boundaries can help you avoid burnout and enables you to stay in the profession longer. A more fulfilling professional life means more time and attention for your personal life.

10. Having clear boundaries means less stress, less financial burdens, less wasted time, a...

Keep the focus on yourself.

Instead of saying “You have to stop bothering me after work”, say it like “I need some time to myself when I get back from work.”

Set consequences

There are times in which “It is impossible to set boundaries withou c...

1. You develop empathy and compassion for others and recognize their limitations.

2. You feel less resentment towards people when your requests arent met because you understand that just like you they have boundaries too.

3. You gain a sense of inner peace and you feel empowered when ...

Boundaries can take many forms ranging from being rigid and strict to almost nonexistent.

People with more rigid boundaries, can come off as detached. Their boundaries can be seen as a way to avoid close relationships and keep others at a distance

Those with more loose boundaries, can...