Why are boundaries necessary for healthy relationships?

It is common in some cultures to sacrifice ourselves for others. It’s ingrained in us right from birth to please everyone. Hence, some of us either don’t know what boundaries are or struggle to establish them in our relationships at home and work. 

Boundaries are the limits we put in place to protect ourselves from others and also to safeguard others from any of our reactive behaviour patterns. In simple terms, boundaries mean the ability to draw a line and say “no”. Boundaries are not walls but are flexible and subjective. These are paramount for our emotional, mental, and physical well-being.  

According to Terry Real, “On a deeper level, there are two kinds of internal boundaries: an inner layer and an outer layer.  The inner layer is the containing layer–it keeps our anxiety, anger, control, sexuality, etc. from leaking inappropriately on others.  The outer layer protects us from the world.”

8 Benefits of establishing boundaries:

Boundaries:

• are key to self-love.

• help you to meet your needs.

• They empower you to become assertive.

• They protect your time.

• They improve your relationships.

• They prevent conflicts.

• They help you to evade breakdown by not overcommitting yourself.

• They lead to high self-esteem and self-respect.

How to set boundaries?

• Be very clear about where you want to draw a line. 

• Openly share and communicate your boundaries. 

• Be open and transparent whilst establishing a boundary.

• Let go of any guilt or remorse you might feel while setting a boundary.

• Stand firm in your decision to uphold your boundary. 

Monica Kalra, is a certified relationship and divorce coach, helping women and men navigate relationship struggles and the emotional challenges of divorce with confidence and clarity. If you're ready to reclaim your power, rebuild your confidence, and move forward with strength, connect with Monica Kalra using the link, https://calendly.com/monicakalra/30min, to book your free Solutions Session today.