Have you ever said “yes” to something when you actually wanted to say “no”? Maybe you’ve continued texting or talking to someone you were interested in despite it being past your bedtime. Or you’re constantly checking your messages and emails after working hours to make sure no email goes left unread.
Boundaries are essential for any type of relationship. Yes, even and especially healthy ones. Boundaries may seem like a harsh ask or something someone implements to protect themselves, but that’s exactly what they’re for.
Let’s learn more about why boundaries are important in relationships.
Become More Independent
Boundaries can create a greater sense of independence. This may seem a bit strange, especially when dealing with relationships, but there’s a reason for it. No matter what type of relationship you’re in, whether you’re related, a friend, dating, or working with a coworker, you’re still two people coming together to form a relationship. You each have your own wants, needs, desires, values, goals, and more. Boundaries are a great way to ensure that you’re sticking to your true core values and beliefs.
Staying True to Yourself
It can be easy to get caught up in your relationship or the wants and needs of your partner. The longer you date one another, the more you may feel like your lives are blending and merging together. You and your partner may each give and take to make the relationship work, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose yourself. Having boundaries can ensure that that doesn’t happen to you and your partner.
Increase Your Self-Respect
Emotional boundaries are a great way to help protect your overall mental health and wellness. Emotional boundaries could include how others treat or speak to you, being able to speak up if you’re feeling uncomfortable, and not being afraid to say “no” when you actually don’t want to do something.
Protect Your Physical Space
Physical boundaries are another area in your life that can be set to increase your existing or new relationships. Physical boundaries could include your physical space, sexual boundaries, and even your physical possessions. You have to make sure that you feel comfortable, safe, and secure in all areas of your life. Your physical space is a crucial part of that.
Prevent Misunderstandings and Conflict
When boundaries are set by each person in a relationship, there should be little to no confusion. Each person should know the boundaries that are set, stand by them, and respect them. Having this mutual understanding can help prevent misunderstandings in the future. You and your partner will know what is okay and what is not and be able to navigate and grow together in your relationship.
Plus, setting boundaries has many benefits. When you set boundaries, you may find yourself feeling more secure, safe, and stable in your relationships. As a result, you’ll be able to continue building healthier and stronger relationships, which will increase the relationships in your life as well as your overall happiness.
Next Steps
If you’re not quite sure where to start with implementing boundaries, you’re not alone. If you’re new to it, you may not know exactly where to start, how to communicate your wants and needs, or how to stick to the boundaries you have set. Working with a licensed and trained mental health professional can help you set boundaries that you may be interested in establishing in your life. They can also work with you to make sure that you’re standing up for yourself and that the people in your life are working to respect those boundaries. Reach out to us today to set up a consultation for relationship counseling.