Five steps to help you set personal boundaries
Healthy boundaries are essential in any relationship. They protect us from being controlled and manipulated and help us to feel comfortable and happy. However, sometimes it can be difficult to do so.
Before you do this, you need to be clear about what you want and don’t want from the relationship. Make sure you’re crystal clear about your expectations for the relationship, both verbally and nonverbally. This will help avoid any misunderstandings or tension later on.
Here are some ways to help:
Step 1: Understand what healthy boundaries are
What are healthy boundaries? Healthy boundaries are the lines that you draw in your life that protect you from being taken advantage of or hurt. They help you to manage your own emotions and stay in control of your relationships.
There are different ways to set boundaries, but the most important thing is to be clear about what you want and need from your relationships. Some things to think about when setting boundaries include:
What is too much for me?
What does this person do or say that makes me feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable?
How will this person treat me if I don’t follow these rules?
Will they be understanding and supportive, or angry and punitive?
Step 2: Identify where and with who you need to set boundaries
Setting boundaries can be difficult in any relationship, but especially in close ones. It can be tricky to know where to draw the line between being supportive and enabling someone else’s unhealthy behaviour. Here are some tips for identifying where and with whom you need to set boundaries:
Here are some people to whom you may need to set boundaries:
- People who make you feel uncomfortable or threatened. If someone makes you feel like you can’t breathe, it’s probably time to set limits on how close that person gets.
- People who constantly push your boundaries. If someone consistently tries to take advantage of you or put their own needs before yours, it may be time to set limits.
- People who consistently ignore your requests or feelings. If someone consistently ignores your requests or doesn’t listen when you talk, it may be time to set boundaries.
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Step 3: How to set healthy boundaries with people
When it comes to your relationships, it’s important to set healthy boundaries. This means knowing when and how to say no, as well as setting limits on how much you let someone else affect us. It can be difficult to do but doing so will help you maintain healthy relationships and feel happier overall.
- Identify your own needs and wants first. Before you try to set limits on someone else, make sure you understand what’s important to you. Figure out what makes you feel fulfilled and happy and stick to that path as much as possible.
- Don’t take things personally. It can be tempting to get upset when someone tries to push your boundaries but try not to do so emotionally. Instead, focus on calmly communicating your needs and getting that person’s attention.
- Set limits in a respectful way. It’s important to be clear and concise when setting boundaries and to avoid sounding angry or confrontational. Try to phrase your requests in a way that makes sense to the other person and avoid using emotional language (like “you always” or “you never”).
- Don’t give up on the relationship. Even if someone consistently ignores your boundaries, it doesn’t mean you have to break up with them. Instead, try reaching out to them in a different way – through email, text message, or social media – to see if there’s a way to work together without the drama.
Step 4: Communicate your needs and wants clearly
When it comes to communicating your needs and wants in relationships, it’s important to be clear and concise. This will help ensure that people know what you need from them and that you are not coming across as pushy or demanding. It’s also important to be honest about what you are comfortable with. If something isn’t working for you, let that person know upfront so that they can make adjustments.
Finally, it’s important to remember that boundaries are a two-way street; if you need something but that person is not willing or able to give it to us, then you need to respect their wishes and refrain from asking for things that might be too much for them.
Step 5: Stick to your Boundaries
Sticking to boundaries can be difficult in any relationship, but it is especially important if you want to have healthy ones. Someone who is used to getting their own way may not be happy when you start to stick up for yourself. It is easy to fall back into bad habits, as I am sure you know, but don’t give in. The hardest part will always be in the beginning when you first start to say ‘No’. Once people get used to it, they will accept your wishes and you will be much happier.
If someone is not prepared to respect your wishes then you must be willing to walk away from a relationship that is not healthy for you.
Setting healthy boundaries can be difficult, but it’s worth it. It will make you a happier and more fulfilled person. It is essential in a relationship is important for both parties. It allows each of you to feel respected and in control of your own life.
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