Setting boundaries is crucial for creating healthier relationships and ensuring that individuals feel respected and valued. It helps people communicate their needs clearly and prevents them from being overwhelmed or taken advantage of. Boundaries also empower individuals to advocate for themselves and maintain their mental well-being.
Enmeshment occurs when individuals are emotionally, mentally, and physically entangled with someone else, often leading to a lack of autonomy. Codependency, on the other hand, involves rescuing or being rescued from negative and unhealthy behaviors, such as enabling a family member with addiction issues. While enmeshment focuses on emotional closeness, codependency revolves around dependency and enabling behaviors.
Culture can discourage boundary setting due to traditions and expectations of enmeshment within families. In some communities, stepping away from cultural norms can be seen as offensive. However, cultures evolve over time, and individuals can create their own personal culture by setting boundaries that align with their needs and values.
To begin setting boundaries, pay attention to recurring complaints, such as someone interrupting work or not listening. React faster to these issues rather than letting them persist for years. Boundaries can shift over time and don’t need to apply to everyone. They can be set in the moment, sometimes even in a lighthearted or joking manner, while still being serious.
Enforcing boundaries is difficult because people often assume that stating a boundary is enough, but it requires consistent behavior to reinforce it. For example, if someone continues to call during work hours despite being told not to, the boundary is only enforced by not answering the call. Many struggle with this because they fear missing something important or appearing rude.
Guilt is often used as a tool to make individuals conform to others' expectations, especially during childhood. Many people feel guilty about setting boundaries because they perceive it as rude or selfish. However, guilt should not deter individuals from advocating for their needs, as boundaries are essential for healthy relationships and self-respect.
Boundaries allow individuals to prioritize their time and avoid overcommitting to social or work obligations. By saying no to less important tasks or events, people can focus on relationships and activities that truly matter to them. This helps reduce overwhelm and ensures that time is spent in alignment with personal values.
A relationship may need to be ended if it is physically or emotionally unsafe, involves abuse, or consistently violates boundaries. While ending a relationship can be difficult and involve grief, it is sometimes necessary for mental and emotional well-being. Support from therapy, friends, or family can help navigate this process.
Asking for help requires vulnerability and admitting that one cannot do everything alone, which aligns with setting boundaries. It challenges the stigma around independence and perfectionism, encouraging individuals to seek support when needed. This fosters healthier relationships and mental well-being by acknowledging the importance of community and interdependence.
Drama involves high-intensity arguments, silent treatments, gossip, and frequent chaos, often handled poorly. Conflict, on the other hand, is a natural part of relationships but can be managed in a caring and constructive way. Drama-free relationships focus on resolving disagreements without unnecessary chaos or emotional turmoil.
Telling other people what you want – or need – can be a really difficult thing to do! Nedra Glover Tawwab is a therapist and New York Times bestselling author who helps people create healthy boundaries with themselves and others, both at work and in personal relationships. In this episode, she talks about why identifying your needs is so important, clarifies what healthy boundaries can look like and shares empowering tools so you can advocate for yourself – and get the treatment you deserve. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy) for more information.