Understanding Boundaries
What are boundaries?
Boundaries are guidelines to help you feel comfortable and safe.
How can you tell someone that they are violating one of your boundaries?
“Please do not ____; I do not like when you _____, you need to stop/please stop”
Why are boundaries important in maintaining a safe relationship?
Boundaries establish respect, autonomy, and emotional well-being for both individuals
Why is lying a boundary violation?
It causes distrust and when you can’t be trusted, then people don’t feel safe with you
Name two behaviors that can break trust in a relationship.
Lying, gossiping, being unreliable, breaking promises, etc.
What is an example of a boundary that you have for yourself?
Ex. I will not be yelled at. I will be left alone when I need time to myself
What can you do if a person keeps violating your personal boundaries after you’ve asked them to stop?
Remove yourself/tell a trusted adult or teacher
True or False: Boundaries do not matter in a family because you are family and live with each other.
False, boundaries are very important to keep even in a family
What is a consequence that can happen if a boundary is violated?
Person will feel uncomfortable/person won’t trust you/they might stop being your friend
How can empathy enhance safety in a relationship?
Empathy allows individuals to understand and support each other’s emotions, fostering a secure and caring environment
Why are boundaries important?
It keeps us safe, shows respect for others, feeling like someone cares about you
How should you establish boundaries?
Talk with the person and explain what the limits are and why they are that way.
True or False: Everyone in your family has the same boundaries.
False; everyone is different. There are some behaviors that other people do not like that you might not mind. (i.e. No yelling, clean up after yourself; treat others with respect are common boundaries we might share)
What are the key components of trust in any relationship?
Communication, honesty, reliability, consistency, and empathy
What are effective ways to initiate a conversation to rebuild trust after it’s been lost?
Being apologetic, taking responsibility, and actively listening to the affected person’s feelings and needs
How can you recognize when your own or someone else's boundary has been crossed?
You can recognize when a boundary has been crossed if you or the other person feels uncomfortable, upset, or disrespected. For example, if someone keeps interrupting you while you're talking, you might feel frustrated or ignored, indicating that your boundary of being listened to has been crossed. Similarly, if a friend looks upset when you borrow their things without asking, it might mean you've crossed their boundary of personal space or belongings
Your friend is very upset and doesn’t want to talk to you right now. What is the best way to respect their boundary?
Giving them space and following up with them when they are not upset to find out what happened and talk it out
True or False: If a friend asks you to stop doing something because it makes them feel uncomfortable, it is okay to keep doing it if you don’t think it’s a big deal.
False; it is their boundary, and they might feel it is a big deal
How does past experiences influence an individual's ability to trust?
They shape expectations and affect one’s willingness to trust others
True or False: Open communication, self-awareness, and mutual agreements on boundaries can help set healthy boundaries between people.
True, why?
Why is it important to set personal boundaries for oneself?
Boundaries preserve self-respect, prevent burnout, and maintain healthy relationships with oneself and others
How can communication help maintain boundaries?
It allows people to understand your boundaries, protect your own boundaries, and let others know when they’ve crossed
What steps can you take if someone crosses your boundary?
Communicate that with them, tell a trusted adult and ask for help
What role does trust play in conflict resolution within relationships?
Trust facilitates open communication and the willingness to work through conflicts constructively
Explain the significance of consistent actions in regaining trust after a breach.
Consistent actions demonstrate reliability, sincerity, and gradual rebuild of trust and credibility