Healthy Boundaries
What is a boundary?
A limit or guideline that protects your physical, emotional, or mental well-being.
Someone repeatedly ignores your "no." Is this a healthy or unhealthy behavior?
Unhealthy.
What is an assertive way to say no?
"No, I'm not available."
A coworker asks you to stay late, but you already have plans. What could you say?
"I'm sorry, but I'm unavailable tonight."
Name one self-care activity.
Walking, reading, journaling, exercise, rest.
True or False: Boundaries are meant to control other people.
False: Boundaries are about controlling our own actions and responses.
What is guilt-tripping?
Making someone feel guilty to get them to do what you want.
Fill in the blank: "I understand how you feel, but ______."
Any respectful limit-setting statement.
A family member asks personal questions you don't want to answer. What is a boundary response?
"I'd rather not discuss that."
True or False: Taking time for yourself is selfish.
False.
Name one sign of a healthy boundary.
Saying no, communicating needs, protecting personal time, respecting others' limits.
A friend constantly demands your time and gets angry when you're unavailable. What boundary issue is occurring?
Lack of respect for personal boundaries.
Which communication style is healthiest: Passive, Aggressive, or Assertive?
Assertive.
Your friend keeps borrowing money and never repays it. What boundary might you set?
Stop lending money or establish repayment expectations.
How can boundaries support self-care?
They protect time, energy, and emotional well-being.
Complete the statement: "A boundary is not a punishment; it is a ______."
Protection.
What does manipulation mean?
Trying to control another person's behavior through pressure, guilt, or deceit.
Give an example of an "I" statement.
"I need some time to myself today."
Someone repeatedly texts you late at night and expects immediate responses. What boundary could you set?
Respond during appropriate hours and communicate availability.
What emotion often makes boundary-setting difficult?
Guilt, fear, anxiety, or shame.
Why are boundaries important in recovery and mental health?
They reduce stress, prevent burnout, improve relationships, and support emotional wellness.
Name two warning signs that a relationship may have unhealthy boundaries.
Control, guilt-tripping, disrespect, invading privacy, excessive dependence.
What should you do if someone becomes upset when you set a healthy boundary?
Remain respectful and maintain the boundary.
Your partner/friend becomes angry whenever you spend time with others. What type of boundary is needed?
A relationship boundary regarding independence and respect.
What's one benefit you've experienced or might experience from setting a healthy boundary?
Any reasonable response.