Setting Boundaries
Boundaries are the limit you set for your time, emotions, body, and sanity to remain stable and satisfied with who you are. These empowering boundaries protect you from being used or manipulated by others. Knowing how to set boundaries or limits is a critical yet unnoticed social skill. Setting boundaries depends on communication. Communicating what you need and want is essential in defining boundaries and living a better life. Here are important things to take note of while setting boundaries.
The first and most significant thing to do is state what you can condone clearly and what not. Boundaries are often confusing and non-concrete because they feel invisible in our everyday lives. However, by visualizing and writing it down, you can gain greater clarity about where you want to draw the line between other people and you. Be respectful when setting boundaries. People deserve respect when they ask you to change your behaviors, and you should show that respect by following their wishes. If you have friends, family members, or roommates who ask you to change your habits, remember that you can refuse to follow those requests without acting unkindly toward them.
Boundaries help keep people safe. You need them to feel safe around someone else’s property, create a clean environment, and avoid hurting themselves in a dangerous situation. Setting limits on time, place, and behavior can prevent you from getting hurt. When you set boundaries, ensure they are reasonable, realistic, and consistent. Setting boundaries doesn’t mean being controlling. Instead, it means making choices about what you want to do. Your limits are based on your values and beliefs. If you think something isn’t worth doing, then don’t take action. You can’t control how someone responds to your boundary-setting actions. However, you can choose whether to follow through with your limit. Remember, some things aren’t worth doing just because you say so. You can still be polite while setting your boundaries.