The Importance of Setting Healthy Personal Boundaries

Setting healthy personal boundaries is necessary for maintaining a positive self-concept or self-image. 

It is our way of communicating to others that we have self-respect and self-worth, and that we will not allow others to define us. 

Personal boundaries are the physical, emotional, and mental limits we establish to protect ourselves from being manipulated, used, or violated by others. They allow us to separate who we are and what we think and feel from others' thoughts and feelings. Their presence helps us express ourselves as the unique individuals we are while we acknowledge the same in others.

Healthy relationships would not be possible without personal boundaries or our willingness to communicate them directly and honestly with others. We must recognize that each of us is unique, with distinct emotions, needs, and preferences. This is equally true for our spouses, children, and friends.

Setting personal boundaries means preserving one's integrity, taking responsibility for one's identity, and taking control of one's life.

How do we establish healthy personal boundaries?

➜ Know that you have a right to personal boundaries. Every person has the right to set personal boundaries. While it may be difficult, even scary, to do so, in the long run, it will benefit you immensely. Your boundaries act as filters, permitting what is acceptable in your life and what is not. If you don't have boundaries that protect and define you, as in a strong sense of identity, you tend to derive your sense of worth from others. To avoid this situation, set clear, decisive limits so others will respect them, and be willing to do whatever it takes to enforce them. Interestingly, it's been shown that those with weak boundaries themselves tend to violate others' boundaries. 

➜ Identify the actions and behaviors that you find unacceptable. Let others know when they've crossed the line, acted inappropriately, or disrespected you in any way. Do not be afraid to tell others when you need emotional and physical space. Allow yourself to be who you are without pressure from others to be anything else. Know what actions you may need to take if your wishes aren't respected.

➜ Trust and believe in yourself. You are the highest authority on you. You know yourself best. You know what you need, want, and value. Don't let anyone else make the decisions for you. Healthy boundaries allow you to respect your strengths, abilities, and individuality, as well as those of others. An unhealthy imbalance occurs when you encourage neediness, are needy, want to be rescued, are the rescuer, or choose to play the victim.

Signs of Unhealthy Boundaries

• Going against personal values or rights to please others

• Giving as much as you can for the sake of giving

• Taking as much as you can for the sake of taking

• Letting others define you

• Expecting others to fill your needs automatically

• Feeling bad or guilty when you say no

• Not speaking up when you are treated poorly

• Falling apart so someone can take care of you

• Falling "in love" with someone you barely know or who reaches out to you

• Accepting advances, touching, and sex that you don't want

• Touching a person without asking

When we possess healthy personal boundaries:

 ✔ We have improved self-confidence and a healthy self-concept 

 ✔ We are more in touch with reality 

✔ Are better able to communicate with others 

✔ Have better, more fulfilling relationships 

✔ Have more stability and control over our lives 

It is never too late to establish healthy personal boundaries.

Hypnosis Downloads can quickly help you develop the inner attitudes to set boundaries and maintain them effectively.