“Good fences make good neighbors.” So goes the old proverb
from the well-loved Robert Frost poem.
Likewise, good personal boundaries make for good
relationships. Boundaries are those invisible lines of protection you draw
around yourself. They let people know your limits on what they can say or do
around you. Healthy boundaries give you freedom in relating to others. Make
them too solid and you build walls, too weak and you allow other’s actions to
harm you.
It’s not always clear where our boundaries are or need to
be. Recognizing and studying the signs of ignored or ineffective boundaries is
a good place to start, as these “symptoms” give clues to the needed boundary.
See if any of the following ring true for you.
Aloofness and
distance. When you are unwilling or fearful of opening your space to
others, or when you build walls to insure that others don’t invade your
emotional or physical space, this may be a defense against cruel behavior,
abuse or neglect that you allowed to happen. A person with healthy boundaries
draws a line over which they will not allow anyone to cross. They recognize
their right to say, “No!”
Chip on the shoulder.
This kind of attitude declares, “I dare you to come too close!” and is often
the result of anger over a past violation or ignoring of your physical or
emotional space by others. Healthy boundaries mean you are able to speak up
when your space has been violated, leaving you free to trust that you can
assertively protect yourself to ensure you are not hurt.
Over-enmeshment. In this game, the rule is that everyone must do everything together, and everyone must think, feel and act in the same way, without deviation from group norms. Healthy boundaries acknowledge that you have the right to explore your own interests, hobbies and outlets.
Over-enmeshment. In this game, the rule is that everyone must do everything together, and everyone must think, feel and act in the same way, without deviation from group norms. Healthy boundaries acknowledge that you have the right to explore your own interests, hobbies and outlets.
Invisibility. The
goal here is not to be seen or heard so that your boundaries are not violated.
Healthy boundaries are in effect when you stand up for yourself—be visible, be
heard—so that others can learn to respect your rights, needs and personal
space.
Dissociation. If
you “blank out” or “go away” during stressful emotional events, it results in
your being out of touch with your feelings and unable to assert your limits.
Healthy boundaries allow you to assertively protect yourself from further
violation or hurt, and to choose to end relationships with those who will not
respect them. With healthy boundaries, you can begin to feel your feelings
again.
Smothering and lack
of privacy. When another is overly concerned about your needs and
interests, or when nothing you think, feel or do is your own business, it can
be intrusive into your emotional and physical space, leaving you feeling
overwhelmed or like you are being strangled. Healthy boundaries ask that others
respect your uniqueness, your choices, your autonomy.
Applying Boundaries
Once we see where our limits need to be clarified or put
into place, we can begin to install fence posts or patch holes, to keep
unwanted critters out. Here are some strategies for applying limits when your
boundaries are intruded upon:
• Calm yourself and
take deep breaths.
• Remind yourself of
your right to set limits.
• In a firm and
composed manner, tell the other person how you feel.
• Communicate clearly
what your limits are, especially when you are extending a new boundary.
• Ask the other
person to respect your boundaries.
• Make decisions
about the relationship according to how the other person responds to your
request.
Our kids and teenagers need boundaries and structures so that they can learn self-control and grow into taking ownership of more and more responsibilities. Choices all have natural and logical consequences. By respecting your boundary, young people can earn their freedom and experience the reality of living in this world. So, it is always important to differentiate between what you would do for yourself, what others would do for themselves, and what they really need help with.
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ ... Each one should test their own actions ... for each one should carry their own load." (Galatians 6:2-5)
Boundaries are fences, not wall. They should not be too tight or too loose, just make them known and apply them consistently. Good personal boundaries indeed make for good relationships, personal growth, and the building up of the other person.
"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up." (Romans 15:1-2)
Our kids and teenagers need boundaries and structures so that they can learn self-control and grow into taking ownership of more and more responsibilities. Choices all have natural and logical consequences. By respecting your boundary, young people can earn their freedom and experience the reality of living in this world. So, it is always important to differentiate between what you would do for yourself, what others would do for themselves, and what they really need help with.
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ ... Each one should test their own actions ... for each one should carry their own load." (Galatians 6:2-5)
Boundaries are fences, not wall. They should not be too tight or too loose, just make them known and apply them consistently. Good personal boundaries indeed make for good relationships, personal growth, and the building up of the other person.
"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up." (Romans 15:1-2)
Author’s content used under license, © 2010 Claire Communications
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