How to Tell Someone Your Boundaries
So, you’ve decided that it’s time to set some boundaries in your life. Good for you! Boundaries are essential to maintaining relationships with friends, family members, and coworkers,
as they can help build trust and respect. Once you’ve decided what your
boundaries are, the next step will be communicating them to those around
you. Here are some tips for how to do so:
- Be clear.
Explain exactly what you expect so that there’s no room for
misinterpretation. For example, if you don’t want to work evenings, say,
“I’m available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.” rather than “I can’t work
late,” since “late” can mean different things to different people. - Establish consequences.
Explain what will happen if your boundary is crossed. For instance, if
your child regularly yells, say, “If you raise your voice while we’re
having a conversation, I will leave the room until you calm down.” And
most importantly, follow through on those consequences. - Use the sandwich method.
If you’re concerned about how the other person will react, try
sandwiching your boundary between two positive statements. For example,
if you’re feeling overwhelmed by how frequently your sister calls, you
could say, “I love our chats, but I’ve been so busy with this new job
that I’m not able to talk each night. Can we schedule a time each week
to catch up?”
Do You Struggle to Set Boundaries?
Setting and communicating boundaries can be difficult, but it’s a lot easier
with the help of an experienced therapist. Fortunately, you can get the
assistance you need from the caring team at our practice. We understand
the intricacies of relationships between family members, friends,
coworkers, and other acquaintances, and we’ll provide you with tailored
advice on how to effectively set any necessary boundaries. Contact us
today to schedule a therapy session at a date and time that’s convenient
for you.