Write your guide to setting healthy boundaries in relationships. – Not such a simple ask from the daily writing prompt.
Wow, just thinking about this is complex because boundaries are different in different relationships. It’s also something that I don’t think about much. I guess I’ve set boundaries over time that people who know me know what they are.
I think one boundary that a lot of my friends and I have come to in our senior years is that we don’t want a lot of negativities around. Life is too short to negative. Not that we don’t get there now and then on a point, but we don’t stay there and stay on topics we enjoy more now.
Okay, I admit I’m a little soft on my knowledge on the topic even though I feel like I’ve been good at communicating with people on this topic on what mine are. So, I found a chart to help me.
Physical – I’m a physical person. I shake hands with people, I hug people, I kiss those close to me. I respect others physical boundaries and don’t expect them to be the same as mine.
Emotional – I respect other feelings, as long as they respect mine.
Intellectual – The thoughts, beliefs and ideas of others are theirs. And they can have them because it’s a free country. That doesn’t mean I have to accept or agree with them.
Time – this is a tough one for most people. Who do you spend your time with and how much. People have expectations of time, and this is often the cause of tension in relationships. It’s not just showing up on time. It’s the quality of time you give people and would like from them.
Material – property, giving and lending. Be very clear in these areas. As with all boundaries, communication is key.
Spiritual – Wow this is a touchy one. I once had a close friend of many years who became very involved in faith to deal with another issue. He said to me that I’m going to hell because I didn’t believe exactly like he did. Our relationship was changed for the worse when that transpired.
Sexual – Having been married many decades you would think we got this one down. But as we age, that also changes, so you need to adapt and talk.
