A boundary is a limit you set with other people to express what you are okay with and what is unacceptable to you. Setting boundaries protects your well-being and mental health. Knowing and expressing your limits is crucial because, without them, you could feel taken advantage of or build resentment toward someone in your life. Being able to assertively establish boundaries is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourselves, mainly so people know you cannot be walked all over.

Establishing boundaries enables our loved ones to provide us with the support we desire. They make what we consider to be beneficial and detrimental obvious, saving others from having to try to read our minds. They enable us to thoroughly and honestly participate in relationships by letting people know that we’ve stated our boundaries and made it simpler for them to accommodate our demands. Establishing limits within a relationship is frequently the most significant way to keep it intact. When other people set boundaries with you, it’s because they don’t want you to feel so comfortable with you treating them poorly, not because they want to hurt your feelings.

Setting these boundaries can be challenging because you don’t want an uncomfortable situation. It can be difficult because you may be judged for prioritizing yourself once you define and establish a boundary with someone [which should not keep you from addressing your concerns and if someone does react that way, that should be a person you reconsider having a place in your life]. For many people, going against a typical social norm can result in disapproval and criticism. While this may be the case, remember it is a really strong characteristic to know your limits, such as what you are comfortable with and what you aren’t, especially within friendships and relationships. When you follow someone else’s lead and never stand up for what you are comfortable with, you give up your aspirations for others. Along with that, you might also find yourself in situations you don’t want to be in.

Remember you are not alone. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who love you is where you want to be. If you are in need of immediate attention please seek help.

For mental Health Resources and Support: 988lifeline.org (The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).