Tune in to explore boundaries and why they're important.
Check out some example boundary phrases below!
- “I’m the adult, I will take care of your classmate, thank you.”
- I don’t mind sharing…please ask me before helping yourself.
- “I know you only meant it is just a joke, but what you said is really not okay.”
- Oh! I’m not a hugger–but a high five works!
- I don’t have capacity to make that decision right now, I’ll get back to you after I’ve had a moment to process.
- I’ve received your text message and will reply when I have a moment to thoughtfully respond.
- It is not okay to touch my hair, please keep your hands off of my body.
- I love that you’re trusting me to share that, but I’m not the right person for you to share that with.
- We’ve talked about this before at length, what’s going on?
- I understand that you’re frustrated but it is not okay to speak to me like this. I’m going to step away and we can discuss this at a later time.
- I know you’re offering me a compliment, but I don’t care to discuss my physical appearance with others.
- I’m not in the best headspace to discuss this right now, let’s talk about something else.
References
Tawwab, N. G. (2021). Set boundaries, find peace: A guide to reclaiming yourself. A TarcherPerigee book. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/toxic-stress/