Which boundaries do you possess or lack?
Boundaries are important for our mental, emotional, physical, and intimate life. Sometimes it’s difficult to set healthy boundaries for fear of appearing rude or uninterested in someone or something.
Our boundaries are tested every day, from home life, to work, to friends. It’s important to understand ourselves and figure out what feels comfortable or uncomfortable for us. According to positive psychology, there are seven types of boundaries. Below is a list. Take a look and take time to reflect on each one, and how they pertain to your life both personally and professionally, and set them accordingly. Therapists can help you with setting boundaries by examining relationship dynamics, communication skills, and your personal needs.
7 Boundaries
Emotional boundaries - respecting your feelings/thoughts on a topic, event, situation, etc.
Religious/spiritual boundaries - respecting your personal beliefs and practices.
Sexual/intimacy boundaries - respecting your body, intimacy, consent.
Physical boundaries - respecting your body/space/privacy/touch.
Financial and material boundaries - respecting your resources, income, how you spend or save your money; material possessions.
Time boundaries - respecting how you spend your time, need for alone time/solitude, sleep/work/gym schedules.
Non-negotiable boundaries - respecting your lines in the sand, “hard no’s”, your absolutes in what makes you feel safe or how you want to live your life, i.e., no abuse, infidelity, etc.
Boundaries can either be Porous, Rigid, or Healthy. Below are examples.
Porous - co-dependency, people pleasing, fear of rejection, difficulty saying “no”.
Rigid - emotional walls, emotionally avoidant, difficulty with relationships/friendships, detached, keep people at a distance for fear of rejection or being hurt.
Healthy - balanced boundaries, communicating feelings, needs, thoughts, accepting when others say “no”, self-acceptance.
Setting boundaries can feel difficult, but they are necessary to keep us safe, happy, and healthy. It’s okay to say no. It is not selfish, rude, or inconsiderate. It is hard, after all, to pour from an empty cup.
