The Importance of Boundaries in Relationships: Setting Limits for Healthy Connections
Setting boundaries for healthy connections is important to me. Relationships are powerful and can change lives. At times, though, relationships can become toxic and unhealthy. In order to avoid unhealthy relationships, we must learn how to set boundaries.
Here are a few tips to help you create healthy boundaries:
Set boundaries for yourself
As much as we might want to give others our time and energy, we all need limits. We all need space. We all need to recharge.
Set limits on your expectations
As a relationship grows, it's easy to become disappointed when things don't turn out the way you want them to. It's also common to expect too much from others.
It's important to know when to set limits and when to accept the status quo. Some people may not be able to give everything they want from a relationship. Others may not be able to give as much as they would like.
When you find yourself setting boundaries for yourself or expecting too much from others, consider that you deserve better.
Don't allow others to set your boundaries
Just because someone seems to like you doesn't mean they are deserving of your time.
If someone tells you they are interested in a romantic relationship, that doesn't mean they are deserving of your time.
It's hard to say "no" when you're interested in someone. Just because you feel like someone is someone you want to date doesn't mean you should give them a chance.
Set limits for toxic relationships
Toxic relationships can be draining and harmful. Setting boundaries for toxic relationships is necessary.
People who are abusive or controlling should never be given more attention than they deserve.
Setting boundaries for toxic relationships may feel difficult because some people are just really needy.
There are several things you can do to set boundaries with people who are abusive or controlling.
First, you can stop responding to texts and phone calls. If you continue to respond, you are giving them more attention and making it harder for them to let go of you.
Second, you can end the relationship and then delete any communication you had with them. Third, you can block them on social media.
Fourth, if you find yourself feeling emotionally drained from someone, it's important to cut ties.
STEP 1: Know What Your Boundaries Are
What does a healthy relationship look like? This is the first step in setting healthy boundaries.
When you have a clear picture of what a healthy relationship looks like, you can set healthy boundaries for your own life.
The first rule of boundaries is to not cross them. The second rule is to enforce the boundaries you set for yourself.
STEP 2: Know How to Set Boundaries for Yourself
Boundaries for healthy relationships exist on a spectrum.
You need to know how to set boundaries for yourself. If you are comfortable with boundaries, then it will be easier for you to set them for others. Setting limits for yourself is an essential part of maintaining healthy relationships.