How to Establish Boundaries

to frame cutting down contact as a positive gesture

Choosing to remain in a denigrating situation is, in a way, an act of self-abuse

distance yourself from them physically and emotionally.

But it’s a little like repeatedly trying to have a civilized conversation with a ravenous lion, hoping time after time that it will stop trying to eat you.

But it’s a little like repeatedly trying to have a civilized conversation with a ravenous lion, hoping time after time that it will stop trying to eat you.

Question 3: Is this person actually capable of respecting your boundaries?
It doesn’t matter how legitimate your boundaries are, how well you communicate them, or how many second chances you give. Some people simply do not want to respect you, and probably never will. This can be extremely hard to swallow, especially if you’re a kind and loving person yourself.

you constantly tell people that they aren’t allowed to do XYZ but there are no real consequences for them doing XYZ, they will only continue to do XYZ

uncomfortable to admit, but oftentimes when people frequently dismiss our boundaries, it’s because we ourselves don’t take them all that seriously.

Being a martyr who unconsciously expects that relinquishing their own needs entitles them to extra care later down the line is simply another form of manipulation.

Importantly, the question is, are you happy to compromise? Not, do you feel guilty and coerced into compromising?