Q: I grew up in a family where there were no healthy boundaries. How can I learn to set healthy boundaries with others?
A: A boundary is an emotional and physical space between you and another person. Boundary setting can enable healthiness with you and those whom you set boundaries with.
A boundary is letting someone know how far you are willing to go with disclosing things to them, and how far they can disclose to you. Most of us want that emotional connection, however, we have to establish healthy boundaries so we don’t become too careless about what we reveal about ourselves and our vulnerabilities.
Learn to separate your desires from others. It’s also okay to say no. You don’t have to be a yes person to get others’ approval and acceptance. You can set healthy boundaries and although you will most likely be tested, you will also be respected.
Realize that your needs and boundaries may be different from others and honor your own regardless of what others’ boundaries are. You are your own unique self and you don’t have to pretend to be someone you are not.
Setting healthy boundaries gives you permission to be your own free unique self .Give yourself the emotional and physical space to be your own authentic self so you can honor that unique person who is the you that you strive to be.