Understanding Boundaries
What is a personal boundary, and why is it important?
You need to change your clothes. What type of space should you use?
A private space, such as a designated changing room.
What is the difference between being assertive and being aggressive?
Assertiveness means expressing your needs respectfully. Aggression involves attacking, threatening, or disrespecting others.
A friend respects your decision when you say no. Red or green flag?
Green flag
Name one quality of a trustworthy person.
Honesty, respect, reliability, or taking responsibility.
Your friend likes hugs, but you prefer a wave or a fist bump. Is either person wrong? Explain.
No. People have different boundaries, and both preferences should be respected.
Is it okay to discuss someone's personal medical information loudly in a crowded restaurant? Why or why not?
No, it could expose private information without their permission.
Complete this I-statement: "I feel frustrated when you interrupt me because..."
A person you're dating wants you to stop spending time with your other friends because they want you all to themselves. Red flag or green flag?
Red flag. This may be controlling behavior.
Why is it important to have friendships and interests outside of a dating relationship?
It supports independence, personal interests, and a wider support network.
You tell a coworker you don't want to discuss your dating life, but they keep asking personal questions. What boundary could you communicate?
"I'd rather keep my dating life private. Please stop asking me about it."
A friend gives you their phone to look at a photo. Does that mean you can read their text messages?
No, permission to see one thing is not permission to access everything.
Your friend keeps making plans for you without asking. Give an assertive response.
"I feel frustrated when plans are made for me without asking. Please check with me first."
A friend admits they made a mistake, apologizes, and makes an effort to change. Red flag or green flag?
Green flag. Taking responsibility and changing behavior help build healthy relationships.
Someone asks you to keep a secret that makes you feel unsafe. Do you have to keep it? Why?
No. You can tell a trusted person who can help keep you safe.
Your friend keeps calling you late at night, even after you explain that you need to sleep. They say you are being a bad friend when you don't answer. What boundary could you set, and how should a respectful friend respond?
You could say, “I’m not available for calls late at night. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” A respectful friend would accept your boundary without guilt-tripping you or making you feel bad.
Someone sends you a private photo of another person. They tell you to forward it to your friends. What should you do?
Do not forward it. Respect the person's privacy and seek help if the photo raises safety concerns.
Someone pressures you to do something you are uncomfortable with. Why might saying "No I'm not comfortable with that" be a healthy response?
It clearly communicates a boundary without needing to insult the other person or justify the decision.
Someone frequently jokes about your appearance, then says you're too sensitive when you ask them to stop. What flag is this, and why?
Red flag. They are dismissing your feelings and ignoring your boundary.
A new friend asks you to share something very personal about yourself, but you don't feel ready. They say, “You can trust me, so you should tell me.” What could you do, and why?
You can choose not to share until you feel comfortable. Trust takes time to build, and a trustworthy person will respect your privacy and your decision not to share.
A person says they respect your boundaries but repeatedly ignores them. What matters more: what they say or what they do? Why?
Their actions matter. Respect should be shown consistently through behavior.
You post something personal online and later delete it. Can you be sure nobody saved or shared it? Explain.
No. People may screenshot, download, or share content before it is deleted.
Change this statement to make it more assertive: "You never listen to me! You are so selfish!"
"I feel ignored when I can't finish speaking. I'd like you to hear me out."
Someone says they care about you and promises to change after hurting your feelings, but they continue doing the same thing over and over. Is this a red flag or a green flag? Explain your answer.
Red flag. Apologizing is important, but a healthy relationship also requires taking responsibility and making an effort to change the behavior.
Trust takes time to build. Name two ways someone can show they are trustworthy over time.
Respect boundaries, keep commitments, be honest, take responsibility, and behave consistently.