How do we establish healthy personal boundaries?
Know that you have a right to personal boundaries. Your boundaries act as filters permitting what is acceptable in your life and what is not. If you don't have boundaries that protect and define you, as in a strong sense of identity, you tend to derive your sense of worth from others
Identify the actions and behaviors that you find unacceptable. Let others know when they've crossed the line, acted inappropriately, or disrespected you in any way. Trust and believe in yourself. You are the highest authority on you. An unhealthy imbalance occurs when you encourage neediness, or are needy; want to be rescued, or are the rescuer, or when you choose to play the victim.
Signs of Unhealthy Boundaries
- Going against personal values or rights in order to please others
- Giving as much as you can for the sake of giving
- Taking as much as you can for the sake of taking
- Letting others define you
- Feeling bad or guilty when you say no
- Accepting advances, touching and sex that you don't want
- Touching a person without asking
When we possess healthy personal boundaries:
- We have improved self-confidence and a healthy self-concept
- Are better able to communicate with others
- Have more stability and control over our lives
It is never too late to work on establishing healthy personal boundaries.
Resources:
https://www.essentiallifeskills.net/personalboundaries.html
https://www.facebook.com/coachdiedre/photos/a.679184045501683/1934960803257328/?type=3&theater
https://www.uky.edu/hr/sites/www.uky.edu.hr/files/wellness/images/Conf14_Boundaries.pdf
https://positivepsychology.com/great-self-care-setting-healthy-boundaries/
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