Weed It or Keep It?
Your friend checks your phone without asking “because we shouldn’t have secrets.” Weed it or keep it?
Weed it. That is a boundary violation and a sign of control, not trust.
Healthy relationship skills matter beyond romance. Name three other types of relationships where they are important.
Relationship with yourself, Friendships, family, coworkers, neighbors, roommates, group peers, & community members.
What is a boundary?
A boundary is a limit or guideline you set about what is okay and not okay for you in relationships.
True or false: Good communication means you never disagree.
False. Healthy relationships still have disagreements; the key is handling them with respect and problem‑solving.
What is one way you can practice self‑care that also supports healthier relationships?
Getting enough rest, managing stress, or talking to a trusted person or professional so you don’t pour from an empty cup
Your partner supports you spending time with friends and hobbies, even without them. Weed it or keep it?
Keep it. Encouraging independence is a healthy green‑flag behavior
True or false: It’s okay to have different needs and personalities in a connection.
True. Differences are normal; respect and understanding keep the connection healthy
Whose job is it to protect and communicate your boundaries?
Yours. Others can respect them, but you are responsible for noticing, stating, and reinforcing your own boundaries.
During conflict, what is one healthy step to keep things from boiling over?
Take a pause or time‑out, then return when calmer to talk respectfully.
Someone often yells, calls names, and then says “I was just joking, you’re too sensitive.” Weed it or keep it?
Weed it. Regular put‑downs and emotional abuse are red flags, even if they’re called “jokes.”
What is a sign that your boundary has been crossed?
You might feel uncomfortable, resentful, anxious, or pressured to say yes when you want to say no.
What is one risk of only using indirect hints or sarcasm instead of direct communication in important conversations?
It increases misunderstanding, keeps needs hidden, and can create passive‑aggressive cycles rather than real problem‑solving.
Name one way to “water” trust in a relationship.
Follow through on promises, be honest, and admit when you’re wrong.
In a tough conversation, what is one benefit of using “I” statements (like “I feel…”)?
“I” statements reduce blame and help share your feelings more clearly and respectfully.
If you recognize that you have been using controlling behaviors in a relationship, what are two concrete “spring into action” steps you can take?
Increase self‑awareness (journaling, therapy) and have an honest conversation taking responsibility, asking what changes would help the other person feel safer.
How can over‑using “boundaries” actually become a problem in relationships, even if the word sounds healthy?
If “boundary” is used to shut down all discomfort or avoid any vulnerability, it can block intimacy and become a way of controlling or distancing instead of protecting
During conflict, what is the difference between agreeing with someone and validating their experience? Why does that difference matter?
Validating means acknowledging their feelings as real and understandable without having to agree on the facts; it lowers defensiveness and keeps dialogue open.