1. The ability to say no
This is especially tough for people-pleasers. Saying no doesn’t come naturally to everybody, but sometimes you need to say no for the sake of your sanity. Having FOMO can also make it hard to say no. But remember to trust your gut and listen to that inner voice telling you to stay home in your pajamas, even though all your friends keep trying to convince you to go to some event. This is the foundation of healthy boundaries.
2. Asking for space
We all need personal space at some point or another. Whether it’s cooling down after a heated fight, self-care time or simply needing space and quiet while you’re working on something important, you’re absolutely entitled to that time, and your loved ones need to respect that.
3. Privacy
Everyone has a different definition of privacy, and it’s important to lay yours out on the table with roommates, romantic partners and more. You decide how much you share, and even if your lives are intersecting in on way or another, you still have control of your mind and aren’t required to blurt out every thought, feeling or desire. Sometimes, a discussion can violate privacy and other times, it’s a partner snooping on your phone.
4. Boundaries in conflict
We all fight, but how we fight says a lot about us. Everybody has different emotional boundaries, but it’s important to voice that tolerance to your partner. For instance, is yelling a no-go when fighting? Do you require time to process after a fight rather than discussing it immediately? Figuring out your emotional boundaries, especially in a context of conflict, can help your relationships thrive and bring you more peace of mind.
