The Importance of Boundaries

Boundaries teach people how best to love, honor, and respect you.

I cannot stress enough the importance of boundaries! They are vital in nearly every aspect of your life: work, friendships, family, and partnerships.

One of the most common misconceptions about boundaries is that they are for other people. No! Boundaries are for you! They have nothing to do with someone else, outside of learning the necessary skills to maintain access to you.

Boundaries are not directives. They are not designed to change or control someone else. Boundaries are playbooks for how you expect to be treated.

Example:

don’t:

”you better stop yelling at me or else!”

do:

”I will not continue to be a part of this conversation while there is yelling.”

Notice the difference?

When you start to understand boundaries, begin using them in less risky situations such as parameters around screen time for yourself or deciding where you would like to eat. As you become more practiced, begin implementing them in more interpersonal situations.

If there is difficulty implementing and enforcing boundaries within close relationships, don’t be afraid to ask for help! A professional can help you see patterns where boundaries are needed, and guide you through the language necessary for establishing healthy boundaries and observing them in others.