Boundaries 101
When we are tolerating behavior we don't like, it can be because there is a boundary problem. More often it is because we are hooking our feelings on other people's behavior.
For example, it is not a boundary to say, "No, I don't want to go out tonight." That's just saying what YOU are going to do. Saying "no" when someone asks you to do something is not a boundary. When we say "yes" to things we don't want to do, it is not poor boundaries, it is lying.
It is not a boundary to say, "I feel terrible because you don't do any work around the house." That is a guilt trip.
An emotional boundary is like a property boundary. It involves a boundary violation - someone coming into your space. For example, if someone hits you, that literally violates your personal space. If someone talks to you with a raised voice, that may be a boundary violation.
There are two possible steps in dealing with a boundary violation (sometimes you only need one):
1. Ask the person to stop.
2. Set a consequence to protect yourself.
The consequence you set is not to punish the other person. It is to protect you. For example, if someone is yelling at you at work, you could ask them to stop and tell them that if they don't stop, you will leave the room and report them to human resources.
It helps to decide your boundaries ahead of time, but you don't necessarily need to tell the other person what the boundary is ahead of time. So, for example, I don't like it when people cancel at the last minute when I've made plans. I don't need to tell every person I make plans with, "Now, if you cancel, I will not make plans with you again." Instead, when someone cancels at the last minute, I can choose to not make plans with them again in order to protect my time or I can talk with them about it if they ask to make plans again.
What are your boundaries? Where do you end and other people begin? What behavior do you want to tolerate and what behavior do you want to take care of yourself around? If you would like help deciding, I'm here.
