Setting boundaries in a healthy relationship

Introduction

In a healthy relationship, every person has the right to set boundaries. This means that you're allowed to say what you want and need in your relationship, and your partner is allowed to do the same. Sometimes this can be difficult to navigate—especially if you're not used to asking for what you want or saying no when necessary. But setting boundaries is an important part of creating a safe and healthy space for yourself in any kind of relationship: romantic, platonic or otherwise.

It's not selfish to set boundaries.

  • It's not selfish to set boundaries.

  • Setting boundaries is often misunderstood as trying to control your partner, but it's actually about setting the limits for yourself and respecting both your partner and yourself. You can't control your partner's actions, but you do have control over how you respond to those actions. If a person doesn't respect your needs or wants—and does something that makes you feel like they don't care about your well-being—then that is a problem, even if there are valid reasons why they did what they did.

  • Boundaries are not just physical: They also include things like privacy and time spent together (or apart). For example, if someone has problems with alcohol abuse or addiction then having clear communication about why this behavior isn't OK will help them stay sober in the long run because they won't be able to go back on their word without feeling guilty; likewise with other habits/addictions that could cause harm such as smoking marijuana all day instead of working or spending money frivolously instead of saving up for emergencies like medical bills or car repairs!

Finding the right balance is so important.

It is important to know your own limits and your partner's limits. Know what each of you will and won't do, and respect those boundaries. For example, if your partner doesn't want to spend time with family members, don't push them into it; likewise, if they want to spend more time with their friends than you do, don't insist that they stay home with you instead. Similarly, if one person is comfortable spending a certain amount of money on dates or gifts but another is not—or vice versa—don’t push someone out of their comfort zone by trying to make them spend more money than they feel comfortable with (or less).

It's not negative to set limits.

The first step to setting boundaries is understanding that it's not negative to set limits. The word "negative" has a lot of connotations, and it's important to know that when you're setting boundaries, you're being honest with yourself and your partner about what you want — not what they want. Setting limits is a way of saying "yes" to the things that are important for us while saying "no" to things we don't want or need in our lives.

Setting boundaries helps us feel more comfortable in our relationships — even with those we love most dearly. When we have clear boundaries, it can help prevent misunderstandings from happening because everyone knows where they stand with each other at all times. There will be no question about whether someone is allowed do something or not, which means less stress for everyone involved!

You're allowed to change your mind.

Do you want to go out for dinner? No, I'm feeling lazy.

Do you want to see a movie tonight? Sure! But I'd rather watch Netflix at home instead.

Do you want to try that vegan restaurant downtown? Ugh, I'm so tired of trying new restaurants; let's just order delivery from somewhere else.

It is absolutely normal and healthy for your boundaries to change over time—they may vary depending on the situation or person involved, or even from day-to-day depending on your mood. There is no "right" way for setting boundaries; it's all about what works best for you in the moment and honoring your intuition as it arises throughout life's journey.

Setting boundaries can be hard, but you don't have to do it alone.

Setting boundaries is an essential part of a healthy relationship, but it can be hard to do by yourself. If you're having trouble setting boundaries in your relationships and don't have someone you can talk to about your experiences, consider getting help from a therapist or support group. You might also want to read some books on self-care and building healthy relationships for more tips.

If you're having trouble setting boundaries in your relationships, consider getting help from a therapist or support group. You might also want to read some books on self-care and building healthy relationships for more tips.

Boundaries are different for every relationship and can change over time.

Boundaries are different for every relationship, and sometimes, the boundaries you set at the beginning of a relationship may change as you get to know each other better. It's important to be flexible and keep your partner in mind when setting boundaries.

If you're considering changing your boundaries, it's important that both people involved agree on them before making any changes. If one person thinks they no longer need to respect certain limits because "it won't happen again," then this may mean that their partner needs more help with managing their own behavior than they had realized—and helping each other understand each other's needs is part of being in a healthy relationship!

It can take time and effort to learn how much distance is right for what kind of relationship; but once again: if one person isn't willing play by these rules anymore (e.g., by harassing or manipulating) then it might mean there are bigger issues between them than just setting up some ground rules!

Setting healthy boundaries can help create a stronger, better relationship.

Setting boundaries in a healthy relationship is an important part of maintaining your mental health and well-being. Healthy boundaries can make you feel more confident, in control, valued, loved and respected.

Boundaries are what define you as a person and separate who you are from everyone else. They help to define where your property ends and someone else's begins. When we don't set our own clear boundaries with others (and with ourselves), it results in feelings of uncertainty or confusion about what is "yours" versus "theirs." It's impossible to have clarity when everything around us seems blurry!

Conclusion

We hope that this post has helped you to understand what boundaries are and how they can benefit your relationships. Being kind to yourself and others by setting healthy limits is not selfish; it's necessary for the health of everyone involved. If you're having trouble setting or maintaining your own boundaries, remember that there are people who want to help. Reach out today!

Nicholas Purcell

Nicholas Purcell is a couples counsellor and psychotherapist based in Adelaide, Australia. He works with couples seeking healthy, adult relationship.

http://www.nicholaspurcell.com.au
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