Setting boundaries in relationships is essential, whether it’s a friendship or a romantic situation. Boundaries are the parameters of behavior that you will allow. Without healthy boundaries, you will enable people to walk all over you, dishonor you, and disrespect you without consequences. You deserve more than that! Here are five ways to set healthy boundaries and experience your desired friendships and relationships!
1: Know What You Want and Ask For It
The hardest part of this is knowing what you want. What do you want? Do you want consideration before decisions are made? Do you want quality time? Do you want to feel prioritized in the relationship? Whatever it is that you want…ask for that! Don’t allow your wants to go unnoticed for another day longer.
2: Be Willing to Say No
“No” is the only word that is the same in every language. Do you want to know why? Because that is how powerful of a word it is! When you say “no” to someone, you say “yes” to yourself. I’m not saying that you should say no to everything, but you should say no to things that compromise the essence of who you are.
3: Release the Need for Approval
This is in alignment with saying “no.” We’ll often say yes, even when we want to say no. When we do that, it’s genuinely not because we’re a “kind” person but because we seek external approval. Set that boundary and release that need for approval!
4: Prioritize Your Mental Health Above All
You matter. You matter. You matter. Say it until you believe it! Your well-being is essential. In relationships, you will have to sacrifice certain things, but you should never have to sacrifice your mental health. NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.
5: Be Willing to Let Go of Anyone That Doesn’t Respect the Boundaries You Set
Do yourself a favor and let go of people that constantly cross the boundaries that you set. I promise there are friends and romantic partners that will respect you, so walk away from those that don’t! You deserve so much more!
Photo by: Gustavo Fring – Pexels
Essential Intimacy 