Setting Healthy Boundaries In a Relationship

 

Healthy boundaries in relationships create mutual respect between individuals, it helps us know what's required in the relationship. Boundaries show us how we can respect each other’s personal space, comfort level, and limits. Boundaries are a form of self-care, which takes care of your mental health and ensures that your well-being is considered. Before setting boundaries, consider accepting why they are important for you, boundaries are a vital part of healthy relationships because they help to maintain a balance between you and your partner. They also help minimize disagreement, because they establish a precedent for what you both expect from each other. Having boundaries may bring you closer to your partner, as they are defined through open communication. Healthy boundaries in relationships, create mutual respect between individuals, seeing, understanding and establishing boundaries isn't always easy. Setting boundaries help us understand what is expected in the relationship and shows us how we can respect each other's personal space, level of comfort and boundaries.

Healthy relationships include respect from both sides and communication with respect.  The best way to communicate your boundaries with your partner is with kindness, understanding and respect for each other’s expectations. Being respectful whenever you communicate will make your relationship healthier and stronger. Communicating is an important part of every healthy relationship, be honest about what you need, when discussing boundaries with your partner, being honest about what you are comfortable with or not comfortable with will ensure that they know what you truly expect from them. You could even try writing down your intentions so that you are clear about what you want when sharing them with your partner.  Setting boundaries boost your self-esteem, and sense of identity and significant component of self-care. Healthy boundaries of a relationship include emotional, physical, mental, sexual and financial boundaries.

Emotional boundaries

Emotional boundaries have to do with being clear about what is and isn't yours to feel or repair, which involves separating your feelings from someone else's. Your emotions are within your control regardless of what is happening to the other person. These boundaries enable us to show empathy without comprehending the other person’s feelings. Emotional limitations in relationships are maintaining our personality, we all have our thoughts and feelings and can care for one another without losing our sense of self.

Physical boundaries

We all have different levels of comfort concerning physical contact. Physical boundaries are also an important kind of relationship boundaries, It includes your body, personal space and privacy. Talking about your physical limits, even though others may not understand your limits, you have the right to do what makes you feel comfortable and express your limit.

Intellectual boundaries 

We all share different beliefs, ideas and values. Intellectual boundaries help us respect each other's beliefs and set intellectual boundaries that allow both of us to feel that our opinions are being respected. This is important so that you don’t expect people in your relationships to share all of your opinions or approve of all of your views. It's not so much worrying about whether your opposing view hurts another person's feelings. It is more about respecting their right to have their own opinions, intellectual limitations may also help you feel safer by having your own opinions. Instead of trying to be liked by everyone by agreeing with them, you can remain true to yourself.

Financial Boundaries 

Discussions about money can be difficult, but we all know they are necessary. You're probably already talking about money with your partner—perhaps you have joint accounts or you're saving for a vacation. However, money is also part of other relationships. Consider your financial goals and be prepared to share the boundaries of your relationship in this area. You may have to put a limit on how much you're willing to spend.

Sexual boundaries 

In terms of physical privacy, sexual boundaries should not be ignored. Discussing what is prohibited and what kind of contact you prefer is necessary to build a relationship of trust. Establishing sexual boundaries also includes a priority for permission.

Setting limits can have many advantages, it helps people make decisions about what is best for them and how they want to be treated. Good boundaries reduce stress, anxiety and depression and increase self-esteem, it is important to understand and respect each other's boundaries in a long-term relationship. No single limit can fit all of your needs, as you begin to prioritize your comfort and ability to function as an independent human being.  Boundaries are a cornerstone of success in any relationship, it lays the foundation for happy relationships filled with love, trust and respect. We all deserve to feel that way, and we should not accept unhealthy boundaries, no matter how much we care for the person. We also cannot expect to execute our limits perfectly as soon as we establish them, they take time and commitment to developing, we should practise saying "no" and communicating clearly. The sense of relief that arises from establishing healthy boundaries in relationships will be more than worth the effort.