Personal boundaries are clear rules and guidelines we establish for ourselves within relationships.
Boundaries are essential for helping you grow healthy relationships built on trust and respect.
Additionally, setting boundaries is a form of self-care because it helps protect your identity and honor your needs as an individual.
So, if you have decided that it’s time to set some boundaries in your life. Good for you!
Once you’ve decided what your boundaries are, the next step will be communicating them to those around you. Here are some tips for how to do so:
- Decide your Boundaries: Take time to consider your values, wants and needs as it relates to your relationships. Decide what boundaries need to be put in place to maintain the health of your relationship.
- Be clear. Explain exactly what you expect so that there’s no room for misinterpretation. For example, if you don’t want to volunteer in the evenings, say, “I’m available between 9am and 1pm” rather than “I can’t volunteer late,” since “late” can mean different things to different people.
- Establish consequences. Explain what will happen if your boundary is crossed. For instance, if your child regularly yells, say, “If you raise your voice while we’re having a conversation, I will leave the room until you calm down.” And most importantly, follow through on those consequences.
- Use the sandwich method. If you’re concerned about how the other person will react, try sandwiching your boundary between two positive statements. For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by how frequently your sister calls, you could say, “I love our chats, but I’ve been so busy with this new job that I’m not able to talk each night. Can we schedule a time each week to catch up?”
Do You Struggle to Set Boundaries?
Setting and communicating boundaries can be difficult, but it’s a lot easier with the help of an experienced therapist. Fortunately, I can give you the assistance you need.
I understand the intricacies of relationships between family members, friends, coworkers, and other acquaintances, and I’ll provide you with tailored advice on how to effectively set any necessary boundaries.
Contact me today to schedule a therapy session at a date and time that’s convenient for you.
Resources. To learn more about boundaries please read the resources the following resources:
https://wellnesscenter.uic.edu/news-stories/boundaries-what-are-they-and-how-to-create-them/