Sherevealedhow shetook inher unemployed brother and his pregnant girlfriend, only for them to completely disrespect her husband.
Furious, the author kicked both of them out.
Having boundaries doesnt mean that you dont care about someone.
However, it can be incredibly hard to establish and then enforce those boundaries with your relatives.
If there is a problem, it’s crucial that you address it directly.
There should be no judgment, aggression, or ultimatums: youre simply getting on the same page.
In the end, you should have more peace of mind.
Consistency is what you want to focus on when establishing and enforcing your boundaries.
Its vital
According to Ilene Strauss Cohen, Ph.D., boundaries are thelimitsthat you set with other people.
Through them, you indicate what behavior you find (un)acceptable.
They also define who you are as an individual and help maintain your mental and emotional health.
From her perspective, what matters the most when it comes to your boundaries is consistency.
When we are inconsistent, it sends mixed signals to others about what we find acceptable.
This can lead to confusion and more boundary violations, she explains.
Being consistent means expressing your boundaries verbally and reinforcing them through your actions.
If you say you need some quiet time in the evenings, dont answer non-emergency calls during this time.
Cohen notes that its important to communicate your personal needs in a balanced way.
You should be assertive but empathetic.
So, you should strive to convey your need for boundaries while also validating the other persons feelings.
Having clear personal boundaries can do wonders for your life.
This is particularly beneficial in family dynamics, where emotions run high and lines often blur.
