What are they, and why do they matter? Boundaries are a way of openly asserting and communicating your values and need to others through words and actions. They vary from person to person and are facilitated by cultural, personality, and social context variations.
Different Types:
- Physical
- Social
- Emotional
- Professional
Why Do Boundaries Matter:
- They tell others what you need
- They help you feel safe and comfortable in relationships
- They promote mental and emotional wellness
- They help you with assertiveness (learning when to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’)
Everyone needs and deserves boundaries.
Boundaries are a part of all healthy relationships. Many often think of a fence when envisioning boundaries – a clear divide. However, psychological boundaries are less fixed and change based on circumstances including the situation, personal values, physical, emotional, and social capacity.
10 Signs of Unhealthy Boundaries
- Lack of self-care
- Overwhelm
- Avoidance
- Resentment
- Burnout
- Rescuing other people/People pleaser
- Can’t say no
- Not asking for help
- Not receiving help
- Loaning your stuff
Unhealthy boundaries can be either poorly designed or poorly enforced and can lead to poor self-concept, poor self-esteem, and increased stress.
Benefits of Maintaining Healthy Boundaries
- Decrease guilty feelings
- Shed unhealthy relationships
- Gain healthy relationships
- Increase self-confidence
- Increase peace and happiness
- Increase respect of others
- Increase assertiveness
Cultivating boundaries allows us to get to know ourselves and our needs more profoundly and share that knowledge with others. When we gain insight and awareness around our values, morals, and beliefs, we can construct boundaries that protect those core drivers of our identity. If you are a teen or parent that wants to improve and enforce limits, MyTeenLifeCoach may be able to help. Please DM us or call us at (770) 235-8202 to schedule an exploration call.
