This blog is part two of a 2-part series that explores setting boundaries. The ability to set boundaries for ourselves and set boundaries with those around us is a valuable skill.

Healthy Boundaries with Others

An image of a group of people with their hands on top of one another over a table. LifeSpring address boundary setting and communication skills in interpersonal relationships. Schedule with an available therapist at our Greater Baltimore office.

Ever find yourself in a situation where a person asks something of you, and against your better judgment, you agree to it? For example, a friend asks you to go out to a late-night dinner, but you know you have an important meeting in the morning. You find it difficult to refuse, so you agree to meet with this friend anyway. Or maybe you find that a person’s behavior makes you feel uncomfortable, and you don’t know what to say or do. An example of this is a family member who often makes insensitive or inflammatory remarks that do not sit well with you, and you don’t know how to voice your disdain. This could be because you find it difficult to set healthy boundaries with those around you.

Why is it important to set boundaries with others?

Just as it is important to set personal boundaries to keep you safe and healthy, boundaries with others are ways to let them know what is important to you and keep you emotionally and physically safe. When you don’t have clear boundaries with others, the lines between your needs and the needs of others are easily blurred. Unclear or vague boundaries can leave you feeling burned out, used, or feeling that your needs are not as important. Understanding that your needs are equally important will help you establish boundaries, make your expectations clear, and let others know what to expect from you and how you want to be treated.

Setting Healthy Boundaries with Others

An individual talking on a cellphone. LifeSpring offers online counseling services for boundary setting and healthy communication skills with clients in the Greater Baltimore area. Schedule an appointment today with a counselor near you.

When setting healthy boundaries with others, it is important that you have a clear understanding of what is important to you and figure out what your priorities are. This will make it easier to communicate your boundaries when someone asks something of you or letting someone know when something is unacceptable to you. Being clear in your understanding of what is important to you will give you the confidence to be firm in your response and avoid a situation that does not sit well with you. Sometimes a situation arises, and your boundary may not be so clear. This is a good time to listen to your inner voice and evaluate your decision’s impact. Will this decision enhance your life or, perhaps, consume more of your time than you are willing to give up? Will your decision make you happy, or are you putting the happiness of others over your own? Answering questions like these will help guide you in determining what your boundary will look like.

Ultimately, boundaries allow you to take control of your life and help you communicate to others how you want and expect to be treated. Boundaries are put in place to help you avoid living your life pleasing others at the expense of your own needs and wants. They are personal tools that will enable you to feel safe, strong, and empowered to make the best choices for yourself. If you find that you are struggling with establishing healthy boundaries with others, now may be the time to seek help.

What are Personal Boundaries, and How Do You Set Them for Yourself?
How to Have Hard Conversations With Others: The Soft-Start Up Technique
The Power of Softness: A Lesson from Tai Chi on Mood Regulation
Mindfulness: Helpful Tips and Techniques for Anxiety & Emotional Dysregulation
Top Reasons to Have Hard Conversations With Your Therapist
Benefits of Having Hard Conversations With Your Therapist

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Here’s how you can get started! Online counseling for communication skills and boundary setting aren’t the only services offered at our Maryland office

The counselors and social workers at our Maryland office also offer counseling services for trauma, grief and loss, boundary setting, communication skills, and difficult life transitions. We also offer specialized counseling services including Brainspotting and spiritually-integrated counseling. Because we are located next to several local universities, we also work with college students and international students.