Boundaries are rules you live by when you say what you will or won’t do or allow. We must be able to identify and respect our needs, feelings, opinions, and rights. If you have difficulty saying no, overrule your needs to please others, or are bothered by someone who is demanding, controlling, criticizing, pushy, abusive, invasive, and so forth, it is your responsibility to speak up.
People often say they set a boundary, but it didn’t help. It is very likely you didn’t do it correctly. You can’t set a boundary and take care of someone else’s feelings at the same time.
You are not responsible for the other person’s reaction to the boundary you are setting. You are only responsible for communicating the boundary in a respectful manner. There’s an art to setting boundaries. Boundaries are not meant to punish, but are for your well-being and protection. You have to determine what you do and do not have control over.
If you struggle with setting boundaries, having difficulty defining what your boundaries are, or struggle with how to enforce boundaries, therapy is the place for you.
Start your journey towards a happier, more assertive you by contacting me today.
Carrie
