Setting Boundaries

One of the most common issues I address in therapy is boundary setting. This can mean many different things. Sometimes we have to learn how to set emotional boundaries to protect ourselves emotionally. Or we must learn how to develop our own sense of self by setting boundaries within our sometimes dysfunctional families. Or we have to learn how to set boundaries with those in our lives who might take advantage – by learning to say “no,” for example. I found this article about saying no and setting boundaries. This problem is very common with women especially. Many of my clients fear others will be mad at them, or not be their friend, if they don’t comply with every request from others. Sometimes women feel guilty and beat themselves up if they can’t “be there” for everyone when needed. The truth is that no one can be everything to everyone all the time. It’s unrealistic. And if we try to please too many people we deplete ourselves and are no good to ourselves or our own families. What many women fail to recognize is that TRUE friends don’t want to place unfair pressure on us. True friends don’t want to see us struggling to do for others and not be able to do for ourselves. True friends wouldn’t want to overwhelm us with pressure. So part of saying no is learning to recognize who truly has our best interest at heart and who doesn’t. Click the article below for more tips on saying no:

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/how-we-work/201302/nine-practices-help-you-say-no