Examples Of Boundaries

Written By Lynda Martin

Here are some of the examples for setting boundaries that I shared with Yitzi Weiner and Brooke Young in Authority Magazine article On How to Recover From Being a People Pleaser

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For me hearing and seeing things in action is helpful to me. So here are some examples of what setting boundaries might sound like this: 

Practice Boundary-Setting:

    • Boundaries: Actively practice setting and maintaining boundaries in your interactions with others. Boundaries are limits or guidelines that you establish to protect your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Assertive communication involves expressing your needs, preferences, and boundaries clearly and respectfully, while also respecting the needs and boundaries of others.

    • Time Boundaries: When setting a boundary around time, you might say, "I'd love to attend the event, but I have a prior commitment and need to leave by 8 p.m." This communicates your availability while also honoring your need for personal time and space. It's a gentle way to assert your boundaries while still participating in social activities.

    • Workload Management: In a work setting, you could assertively communicate your workload by saying, "I appreciate the opportunity to take on additional tasks, but I already have several deadlines to meet this week. I'm happy to help out where I can, but I may need some support prioritizing my workload to ensure everything gets done on time."

man sitting at computer smiling with thumbs up. saying yes when you want to say no. setting boundaries with colleagues

    • Values and Preferences: When faced with a request that goes against your values or boundaries, you could assertively decline by saying, "Thank you for thinking of me, but I'm not comfortable participating in that activity. It's important to me to maintain my integrity and align with my values."

    • Personal Space and Self-Care: Setting boundaries in relationships might involve expressing your needs and expectations directly. For instance, you could say to a friend or partner, "I need some alone time tonight to recharge. I appreciate your understanding and support in giving me the space I need."

    • Addressing Unwanted Behavior: Assertively addressing unwanted behavior or boundaries being crossed might involve saying, "When you interrupt me during meetings, I feel disrespected and it disrupts the flow of our discussions. In the future, I'd appreciate it if you could wait until I've finished speaking before interjecting."

Lynda Martin
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Overcoming People Pleasing