Most of us take relationship boundaries for granted. Many people have a vague sense of what constitutes a boundary. And if they are aware, they let others cross their boundaries because they are afraid of conflicts. This causes resentment in relationships. Here is an example: Suppose your spouse is a spendthrift, but you never discussed the issue with them or asked them to be responsible with money. They go on with their shopping spree. You feel resentful and angry but don’t say anything. Why? Because you are afraid of a conflict and argument. However, you feel resentful of their habit. In such situations, boundaries define what is permissible and what is not. If we let others overstep them, they will continue to do so. Thus, boundaries are essential to maintain our relationships. Having firm boundaries can help keep both partners from feeling hurt or angry, avoiding potential issues in a relationship. There are many types of boundaries in relationships, and they can often be confusing. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Types Of Boundaries In Relationships
1. Physical Boundaries
Physical boundaries in a relationship include limitations about touch, personal space, and physical needs. They dictate how or when a person is touched. Physical boundaries may differ for every person. For instance, your partner may prefer snuggling, but you do not like it. Discuss with your partner and set expectations regarding physical boundaries.
2. Sexual Boundaries
Physical intimacy should be consensual, and setting boundaries may ensure both of you are on the same page and there is no discomfort or unhappiness regarding sexual expression. Both partners should know exactly how much room for sexual experimentation lies in their relationship.
3. Time Boundaries
Couples also need to take out time for themselves. They might juggle work, family, kids, and multiple other tasks, but not spending quality time may affect the relationship. Time boundaries help the couples manage time and ensure that they reserve at least a day or a few hours for themselves to unwind outside work and family obligations.
4. Social Media Boundaries
Social media can impact a relationship and trigger insecurities. For instance, your partner may prefer to share your relationship details online, while you like to keep private. Or they may still be friends with their ex on social media, which might be uncomfortable for you. Social media habits and activities can be overbearing, so discuss with your partner and set social media boundaries. This will protect your privacy and also prevent trust issues and misunderstandings.
5. Technology Boundaries
It is also important to set boundaries regarding technology. Both partners should understand what works best for the other. Setting technology boundaries includes focusing on spending phone-free or gadget-free quality time. Set a time for such activities (like scrolling through social media or playing online games) or make your bedroom a tech-free zone.
6. Emotional Boundaries
Emotional boundaries are about validating the feelings of both partners. They ensure that people respect others’ abilities to process emotional information. Emotional boundaries give an understanding of:
The amount of emotional energy that each partner is capable of handling. Knowing when and what to share. How to limit sharing in the case a partner responds poorly.
Here are some tips for setting healthy relationship boundaries.
Tips To Set Healthy Boundaries In Relationships
1. Be Tolerant
It is crucial for partners to work together. Forcing someone to tolerate something that they are not comfortable with can negatively affect relationships. To be more tolerant, take a step back and focus on the problem. Understand the feelings and perspective of your partner and process these emotions. This can help one make better decisions in life.
2. Communicate Effectively
Open communication is the best way forward in relationships. To last through difficult times, partners need to communicate what they feel without being hurtful or insulting. Communication is a key factor in setting healthy boundaries, and no one should feel pressured. Whenever facing an issue and dilemma, discuss it with your partner.
3. Proper Financial Management
It is common in relationships for one partner to control all finances. Thus, partners need to set financial boundaries together so that both of them are aware of where the money goes. Each person should be mindful of spending habits and be honest regarding the inflow and outflow of money. Address issues like borrowing, debt, loans, mortgages, and other financial issues with the partner. Plan accordingly and set a monthly budget.
4. Conflict Management
It can be difficult for one partner in a relationship to shoulder responsibility when the other partner blames them outright. Hence, partners must acknowledge this pain and deal with it in a healthy manner. Conflict management is all about supporting the partner to overcome the issue and not hurt them. Listen to each other and empathize with their feelings. Acknowledge the issue, discuss it, and try to resolve it amicably.
5. Be Respectful
There is a difference between being assertive and being pushy and disrespectful. Be mindful of the tone and word choices while talking to your partner. Let them express themselves freely without being judged. Respect their wishes and privacy and acknowledge their feelings. This will help strengthen the relationship and set healthy boundaries. What are unhealthy boundaries in relationships? Unhealthy boundaries in relationships can manifest as controlling or submissive behavior, inability to express oneself, lack of private space, manipulation, excessive reliance on each other for feeling happy or complete, abuse, and excessive self-compromise. What to do when your boundaries are not respected in relationships? Try to clearly communicate how you feel about violation of your boundary without getting into an argument or fight and have an honest conversation about it as respectfully as possible. If that does not work, seek help from an expert and if all else fails, walk away and distance yourself.
