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49 — 7 Boundary Mistakes That Damage Relationships

October 27, 2023

Boundaries are essential for healthy relationships. Without them, you may feel resentment, or you may lose sight of your values.

 

However, setting boundaries can be uncomfortable and confusing if you’re not used to doing it. And you might make some mistakes that actually damage the relationship and create more stress for you.

 

If you struggle with boundaries, you’re not alone. Today, I’m sharing the most common boundary mistakes and strategies for avoiding them.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

  • Lack of boundaries damages relationships as others have to guess what is acceptable behavior.
  • Setting boundaries is a kind act towards oneself and others.
    Avoid apologizing for boundaries and instead say thank you for understanding.
  • Boundaries can be communicated through actions rather than words.
    Boundaries should be about protecting one’s inner peace, not controlling others.
  • Flexibility and compromise are important in maintaining healthy relationships.
  • Avoid setting boundaries when feeling emotional and not ready to uphold them.

Quotes:

“Setting a boundary can be the kindest thing you can do for yourself and someone else.”

“Don’t be sorry for taking care of yourself.”

“Your boundaries are about keeping your inner peace, not about telling other people to change their behavior.”

“Boundaries are meant to help you manage your life, not to control somebody else’s.”

“Healthy relationships need compassion, empathy, and compromise.”

“When your emotions are high, don’t set a boundary. Wait until you’re calm.”

“Start with a boundary that you’re ready to enforce. You can always tighten your boundaries later or establish another one when you feel ready to do so.”

Timestamp:

0:00:00 Introduction to the importance of setting boundaries in relationships

1:43 Explanation of what boundaries are and why they are needed

3:05 Mistake #1: Not setting boundaries in the first place

4:28 Mistake #2: Apologizing for your boundaries

5:00 Mistake #3: Automatically announcing your boundaries

7:50 Mistake #4: Using boundaries to try to control someone else

9:16 Mistake #5: Being too rigid with your boundaries

10:10 Mistake #6: Setting boundaries when you feel emotional

11:30 Mistake #7: Setting a boundary that you can’t uphold

12:19 Conclusion and encouragement to work on setting boundaries

Connect with the Show

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Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com

Sponsors

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