Keep it clear and concise without overexplaining yourself. Your boundaries are about you. Communicate in ‘I’ statements instead of ‘you’ statements. And instead of explaining the problem, focus on what you need as that is what boundary is all about.

For example, instead of telling a friend ...

“It’s okay if you text me, but I can’t respond until after work.”

“I just need 30 minutes to complete this task, and then we can talk.”

“I know I said I was available tonight, but I think I do need a quiet night at home.”

But...if you're still hesitant on speaking up to set your...

1. Unlearn self-neglect
2. Think about time as “finite”
3. Use ‘I’ statements

It’s important to keep in mind that not everyone will respect your boundaries even if communicated compassionately.

It is important to accept that anyone who is angered by your boundaries might be "toxic" in your life, so it's important for you to rethink to what capacity ...

Taking care of your own needs before or in tandem with those of your loved ones can often be painted as “selfish,” but it’s not.

Self-neglect is not a way to show how much you care for others. In relationships, both parties can choose what they want and need.

Unlearn that you shouldn’...

Telling people what you need can also lead to increased feelings of empowerment and control over your own life experience.

Saying “yes” to everything a boss, friend, family member, or even partner asks you to do leaves very little energy for you to pursue what makes you happy.

Boundaries around how you spend your time and allow others to use it are essential. Thinking about time as fin...