08/02/2025
So You Set a Boundary⦠Now What?
Letās start from the top:
A boundary is not a punishment, a wall, or an ultimatum. Itās a line that tells others where you end and they begin. Itās a way of saying, āThis is what I need to feel safe, respected, and okay in this relationship.ā
š§ Plain & simple?
A boundary is your limit ā and your responsibility.
Example:
āIām happy to talk about hard stuff, but I wonāt stay in a conversation where Iām being yelled at.ā
Sounds simple, right? But hereās the kicker ā setting the boundary is the easy part.
Holding it? Whew. Thatās the work.
Here are 3 tips to help you stick to your boundary:
š¤ Repeat it without overexplaining. You donāt owe a thesis paper. A calm, clear āIām not okay with thatā is enough.
š¤ Expect discomfort ā from you and them. Boundaries shake up patterns. If someoneās used to crossing it, they might push back. Stay grounded.
š¤ Have a follow-through plan. If your boundary gets crossed, what will you do? Step away? Pause the conversation? Having a plan = less panic in the moment.
And listenā¦
Setting boundaries will be one of the hardest things you ever do ā especially in relationships you care deeply about. But if you want that connection to be healthy (friendship, romantic, work ā all of it), boundaries are what make it safe. They say:
āI value us enough to be honest about what I need.ā
You deserve relationships where both people feel safe, seen, and heard.
Save this for when you need a reminder that protecting your peace isnāt selfish ā itās sacred.