Boundaries: Why We Need Them

The same way you notice how much you need space to breathe and move freely if you’re in a crammed room, you should always consider having healthy boundaries in every relationship in your life. That includes relationship with family, friends, work colleagues and basically anyone you come across. Of course, boundaries aren’t meant to encourage you to put up walls, isolate yourself and not let people in. In fact, they are meant to help you achieve the opposite effect, where you are allowed the space to be yourself, find refreshment, and consequently, have more room in your heart to give and receive love.

We understand that having the courage to say ‘no’ can be difficult in a complex situation but every time you agree to something that you don’t have time for or never cared to pursue, you will most probably strain yourself and possibly carry a little bitterness and resentment towards the person who asked you eventually. Why the hassle when you can be honest in the first place? Definitely, make sure to communicate your ‘no’s in love, as well; you should never be rude about it. It’s more about being more authentic in your relationships, while maintaining personal freedom and not feeling guilty about it.

Another beautiful aspect to boundaries is the way they teach us to become more intentional with our decisions. When you are known to be vocal about your personal boundaries, people around you can tell that when you say ‘yes’, you are really choosing them and being intentional rather than simply going with the flow; in other words, boundaries make your ‘yes’s mean more. This will also invite your friends to become more open and straightforward with you, so be ready for that too. I don’t know about you but I really prefer that over having the people around me nod along to whatever I say or do.