College
Your professor gives unclear instructions and you feel overwhelmed, by hesitate to ask for help.
Email professor, review syllabus, ask specific questions, check with classmates
Your manager asks you to stay late often without notice
clarify expectations, offer alternatives, set boundaries
Your family expects you to come home often, but you want more independence
plan visits that work for you, be honest, set boundaries
A friend only reaches out when they need something
notice their behavior, bring it up to them in a calm and honest way
You feel pressured to move faster in a relationship than you’re comfortable with
clarify comfort level, set boundaries, leave situation if needed
A group project member isn’t contributing, and the deadline is approaching
Be honest and direct, assign group roles, check in with group, involve professor if needed
A coworker shifts their responsibilities onto you
clarify roles and responsibilites, involve manager
A parent asks personal questions you’re not comfortable answering
decide what you're comfortable sharing, set boundaries, ask for privacy
Someone pressures you to drink, go out, or do something you’re uncomfortable with
exit situation if needed, call up someone you can trust, respect your personal boundaries
You feel overwhelmed balancing school, work, and self-care
break tasks down, ask for help, take a break, organize time
A roommate frequently has guests over late at night, affecting your sleep
set quiet hours, suggest compromises, have a calm conversation
You’re scheduled during times you previously said you’re unavailable
remind manager, document availability, set boundaries
Family members criticize your career or academic choices
affirm your goals, limit debates, don't take it personally
A friend shares your personal information without permission
clarify expectations, have a conversation about privacy and trust
A partner expects constant texting or attention
agree on communication expectations, set boundaries on personal space, ask a friend for advice
You feel pressured to attend social events instead of focusing on schoolwork
plan and organize your schedule, set prioritizes straight
A supervisor gives feedback in a way that feels harsh or unconstructive
ask for specifics, focus on growth, don't take it personally
You feel guilt for setting limits with family responsibilities
remind yourself why boundaries matter, prioritize self-care
You’re always the one making plans and putting in effort
wait for them to initiate, bring up how you're feeling in a calm and honest way
You need to advocate for yourself in a new or uncomfortable situation
prepare what to say, keep it simple and honest, respect yourself and your needs
You fail a quiz and you are worried you will fail the class
meet with your professor to go over the quiz or ask for extra credit, take notes in class, plan out time to study
It is snowing and your driveway is so icy you can't drive out for work, and you are worried you will be late
Contact your boss, ask your coworker for a ride
your family borrows your money, but you want to save for a new car
set a clear budget, decide limits ahead of time, have clear communication
A friend makes a hurtful comment during an argument
pause before you respond, decide if/when to address it, express how you feel in a calm and honest way
You receive unexpected criticism and feel defensive
take a pause before responding, ask if feedback is useful, don't take it personally