Relationships feel the most fulfilling when they feel 'balanced' (giving and receiving). Let's not forget that it's our right as individuals to say 'no' to requests that require our time, our energy, our things, and our body. Often times, we think we are protecting or reserving the relationship by always saying 'yes' but are we really if we are forming resentment, dislike or just an unpleasant feeling about the other? What are you worried will happen if you say 'no'? Did you know that there are ways to say 'no' without using the word 'no'? Are you perceiving 'no' to be mean, rude, wrong? Having no boundaries puts us at risk of being taken advantage of, being manipulated, and/or feeling poorly about ourselves. Having rigid boundaries can put us at risk of being alienated, and/or feeling guilty. Healthy boundaries however, allow us to take care of ourselves, and be available for others when we want to and can be. Where some people may drop out of our lives because we are setting healthy boundaries, others may respect us more for setting these boundaries. You get to decide whether the 'risk' is worth taking.
Comments