Do you have healthy boundaries in your relationships?
It’s not always easy, and the rules seem to be ever-changing, but here are some ways to keep healthy boundaries in place & work towards better relationships.
Does it seem like the rules keep changing? They do! Today, these will get you started on happier, healthier, and more satisfying relationships with the people that are important to you.
The short version: be clear, assertive (not argumentative), take responsibility for your feelings, and more in the episode…
Connect with me (Jen):
Contact: https://www.jenhardy.net/contact
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejenhardy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabulousover50show
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thejenhardy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/thejenhardy
TRANSCRIPT
As women over 50, we have lived long enough to know that relationships can be both rewarding and challenging. One of the most important aspects of healthy relationships is establishing and maintaining boundaries. Boundaries are a way to communicate what we are comfortable with and what we are not, which is critical to maintaining a healthy relationship. In this blog post, we’ll explore the new rules for establishing healthy boundaries in relationships.
- Be Clear and Consistent – Establishing healthy boundaries requires being clear and consistent with your expectations. Communicate your boundaries clearly and directly, and be consistent in enforcing them. Consistency is key because it establishes trust and shows others that you are serious about your boundaries.
- Be Assertive – Being assertive means standing up for yourself and your boundaries without being aggressive. Speak up when someone crosses a boundary, and let them know how their behavior makes you feel. Being assertive shows that you value yourself and your needs, which is an attractive quality in any relationship.
- Take Responsibility for Your Feelings – While it’s important to communicate your boundaries, it’s also important to take responsibility for your own feelings. Remember that no one can make you feel a certain way – your feelings are your own. Be clear about how someone’s behavior affects you, but also take ownership of your emotions and reactions.
- Prioritize Self-Care – Establishing healthy boundaries also means prioritizing self-care. This means taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health, and setting aside time for yourself. Self-care is not selfish – it’s essential for maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself and others.
- Let Go of Guilt – Establishing boundaries can sometimes feel uncomfortable or even guilt-inducing, especially if you’re used to putting others’ needs before your own. But remember, setting boundaries is not selfish or mean – it’s an act of self-respect. Let go of any guilt or shame you may feel about asserting your boundaries, and focus on building healthy relationships with those who respect them.
- Know Your Deal-Breakers – It’s important to know your deal-breakers – the things that you simply cannot tolerate in a relationship. Whether it’s disrespect, dishonesty, or any other behavior that goes against your values, make sure you’re clear about what you will and will not tolerate. This clarity will make it easier to establish and maintain healthy boundaries.
- Communicate and Reassess Regularly – Finally, it’s important to communicate and reassess your boundaries regularly. As you grow and change, so may your boundaries. Be open to communicating your needs and reassessing your boundaries as needed to ensure that they continue to serve you in healthy relationships.
In conclusion, establishing healthy boundaries in relationships is crucial for women over 50. By being clear and consistent, assertive, taking responsibility for our feelings, prioritizing self-care, letting go of guilt, knowing our deal-breakers, and communicating and reassessing regularly, we can build strong and healthy relationships with ourselves and others.
Stay tuned, and stay fabulous!