Without proper boundaries, our relationships can become burdensome, creating tension, especially if we cannot say ‘no’ to over-demanding expectations from others. At the same time, our boundaries may become so rigid that we find it impossible to establish meaningful relationships.
Lasting and productive relationships require an establishment of healthy boundaries, which foster mutual respect between you and others. In these relationships, it is alright to say ‘no.’
Boundaries vary depending on the type of relationship you have. For instance, relationships with your spouse or children have different limitations and expectations from those at work or in a formal situation.
Another type of boundary may involve how you express affection or limits how much you want to share with friends or family.
Bending over backward seems like your lot in life, and you resent the demands placed on you by family and friends. The problem is that you cannot say “no.”
Perhaps, you feel emotionally preoccupied with a person to the point that you constantly worry about them, and this preoccupation now impacts other relationships in your life.
Another possibility is that the demands from those you love are intense and disruptive to your life, making it impossible to have adequate time for yourself.
If you identify with these examples, you may be struggling with boundaries.
Wicker Psychotherapy has a particular interest in boundary development.
If you did not grow up in a family or have caregivers that modeled appropriate boundaries, you can enter adulthood and often find yourself in imbalanced relationships.
The good news is that you can learn how to set relationship boundaries at any stage of life.
If you are struggling with boundaries in your relationships, we are here to help.
