Healthy Boundaries Help Create Great Relationships

Quick Take-aways:

• You can't have a healthy relationship without healthy boundaries

• Boundaries are about your own behavior, not about controlling or punishing others

• Boundaries allow for strong relationships, builds trust, and allows for vulnerability

Boundaries are like personal bubbles that define what we allow into our lives. Essentially, they protect our well-being by letting in positive relationships and keeping out harmful or draining relationships. Maintaining boundaries is about changing our own actions and not trying to control others. Weak boundaries let people take more than they give, which can lead to resentment and damaged relationships. When boundaries are crossed, we may try to control others, but this often results in unhealthy behaviors or cycles like anger, micromanaging, or judgment.

Healthy relationships rely on mutual respect, which includes allowing others to make their own choices. Boundaries protect our well-being and relationships by creating safety and trust. When we uphold them, we feel secure enough to be vulnerable—and vulnerability is essential for genuine connection, authenticity, and intimacy.

What to avoid when setting boundaries:

• Avoid focusing on trying to convince others to respect your boundaries. Allow the other person to have their own feelings about the boundary you set because their reaction is out of your control.

• Avoid feeling bad about setting boundaries. Setting boundaries may be new and uncomfortable, but those "bad" feelings you're having doesn't mean that you should avoid setting your boundaries. Setting boundaries doesn't mean that you're an unkind person.

If you are just learning how to set boundaries, you may the guidance of a professional. Dr. Sandra Rodriguez-Siuts is a licensed psychologist in Arizona but is eligible to practice online therapy in 43 states. Dr. Rodriguez-Siuts is highly skilled in helping women build healthy relationships and improve their abilities to set healthy boundaries with others. Contact our office to get started with either in-person or online therapy.