“Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others.”

-Brene Brown

What are boundaries and why are they important? Boundaries are anything that help to differentiate you from someone else-they communicate where your limits begin and end.

In the absence of consistent and clear boundaries, you will find yourself saying yes to everyone and everything. Boundaries dictate how we approach relationships and can determine our emotional satisfaction within that context.

Maintaining healthy boundaries helps us to live in alignment with our desires, needs, and feelings. So what do clear boundaries sound like?

• “I want to hear about your day. I will be free to give you my full attention in 10 minutes.”
• “If you continue to criticize me, I am not willing to discuss this any further with you.”
• “I won’t be lending you money anymore. I care about you and need you to take responsibility for yourself.”

To learn more about boundaries, and how they can help you create healthy relationships, authors Cloud and Townsend have a series of books that can guide you in creating boundaries in your marriage, dating, parenting and friendships.

Michelle Rathburn, LAMFT