“Healthy boundaries are the foundation of a happy life.”
Why boundaries are necessary?
Boundaries, quite simply, are the guidelines that a person creates to identify their expectations and limits in relationships. It is essential to have personal boundaries in order to have healthy relationships. Personal Boundaries are important because they set the basic guidelines of how you want to be treated. Boundaries are basic guidelines that people create to establish how others are able to behave around them. For example, they may involve what behavior is okay and what is not, and how to respond if someone passes those limits. Setting boundaries can ensure that relationships can be mutually respectful, appropriate, and caring.
Setting clear personal boundaries is the key to ensuring relationships are mutually respectful, supportive and caring. Boundaries are a measure of self-esteem. They set the limits for acceptable behavior from those around you, determining whether they feel able to put you down, make fun, or take advantage of your good nature. Weak boundaries leave you vulnerable and likely to be taken for granted or even damaged by others. On the other hand, a healthy self-respect will produce boundaries which show you deserve to be treated well. They also will protect you from exploitative relationships and help you avoid getting too close to people who don’t have your best interests at heart. Boundaries protect your personal self by setting a clear line between what is me and what is not me. Defining boundaries is a process of determining what behavior you will accept from others and what you will not.
There are numerous benefits to setting healthy boundaries. Some of these benefits include:
- More compassion
- Greater assertiveness
- Your needs are met
- Less anger & resentment
- Feeling of peace & safety
- Time & energy to do things that nourish and bring joy to your body, mind, & spirit
- Feeling respected by yourself & others
- Less conflict in relationships
- Improved communication
- Greater self-esteem
5 Boundaries you need to establish
EMOTIONAL
Emotional boundaries around inappropriate topics emotional dumping & dismissing emotions.
Ex. “This isn’t a topic I’m willing to discuss.”
MATERIAL
Material boundaries around possessions, when they can be used & how they are treated.
Ex. “My car cannot be used on weekends.”
TIME/ENERGY
Time/energy boundaries around time, lateness, when to contact, favors & free labor.
Ex. “If you’re going to be late, please text me to let me know.”
MENTAL
Mental boundaries are the freedom to have your own thoughts, beliefs, values, and opinions.
Ex. “I respect that you disagree with my opinion, but don’t force your own.”
PHYSICAL
Physical boundaries include proximity, touch, PDA, unwanted comments, regarding appearance or sexuality.
Ex. “I don’t find comment like that funny.”