Boundaries for Yourself

Personal boundaries are the limits and rules we set for ourselves within relationships. A person with healthy boundaries can say “no” to others when they want to, but they are also comfortable opening themselves up to intimacy and close relationships. If you have more rigid boundaries, you might: keep others at a distance seem detached, even with intimate partners have few close relationships avoid close relationships If you have more loose or open boundaries, you might: get too involved with others’ problems find it difficult to say “no” to others’ requests overshare personal information with others seek to please others for fear of rejection Healthy boundaries may include: sharing personal information appropriately (not too much or not too little) understand your personal needs and wants and know how to communicate them value your own opinions accept when others tell you “no” Many of us have a mix of boundaries depending on the situation. For example, you might have strict boundaries at work and more loose ones at home or with family and friends.