Personal boundaries are an important way that we can keep ourselves physically and emotionally safe from others. They are the rules and limits we can set for ourselves within relationships. They allow a person to say “no” to experiences or others that makes us uncomfortable, while still maintaining  healthy relationships. Establishing healthy boundaries for yourself can lead to more positive and productive social and interpersonal experiences that encourage self- respect, personal growth and discourage being taken advantage of and mistreatment. Below are some tips that can help you achieve these goals!

 KNOW YOUR LIMITS- Before becoming involved in a situation, know what’s acceptable to you, and what isn’t.  It’s best to be as specific as possible, or you might be pulled into the trap of giving just a little bit more, over and over, until you’ve given too much.

 KNOW YOUR VALUES- Every person’s limits are different, and they’re often determined by their personal values. For example, if you value family above all else, this might lead to stricter limits on how late you will stay at work, away from family.  Know what’s most important to you, and protect it.

LISTEN TO YOUR EMOTIONS- If you notice feelings of discomfort or resentment, don’t bury them.  Try to understand what your feelings are telling you. Resentment, for example, can often be traced to feelings of being taken advantage of.

HAVE SELF-RESPECT- If you always give in to others, ask if you are showing as much respect to yourself as you show to others.  Boundaries that are too open might be due to misguided attempts to be liked by elevating other people’s needs above one’s own.

HAVE RESPECT FOR OTHERS- Be sure that your actions are not self-serving, at the expense of others.  Interactions should not be about winning, or taking as much as possible. Instead, consider what’s fair to everyone, given the setting and relationship.  You might “win”, but at the cost of a relatinship’s long-term health.

BE ASSERTIVE- When you know it’ time to set a boundary, don’t be shy.  Say “NO” respectfully, but without ambiguity. If you can make a compromise while respecting your own boundaries, try it.  This is a good way to soften the “NO”, while showing respect to everyone involved.

CONSIDER THE LONG VIEW- Some days you will give more than you take, and other days you will take more than you give.  Be willing to take a longer view of relationships, when appropriate. But if you’re always the one who’s giving or taking, there might be a problem.

*Provided by Therapist Aid, LLC.