Smart Moves

15Setting boundaries

WHY BOUNDARIES ARE IMPORTANT

Boundaries refer to the physical or emotional standards that we set for how we would like to interact with the people in our immediate environment. They include standards and expectations for how we want to be treated by others and how we want others to act when they are around us. Some examples of people who you can set boundaries with include your partner, family members, friends, colleagues and your boss. Establishing boundaries not only helps to ensure that your emotional and physical needs are addressed, but they also foster an environment that is safe and respectful for all parties involved.

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT BOUNDARIES

Setting healthy boundaries can positively impact all our relationships, so what holds us back? There are many myths that surround setting boundaries that give it a negative and confrontational name. This is not at all true, as the core idea of setting healthy boundaries is to foster peace, positivity and respect in the relationships we have to ensure our needs are being met. These myths are the product of how people may have experienced unhealthy boundaries, which are filled with anger, resentment and selfishness. Remember, the only people who get upset when you set boundaries are the people who benefited ...