Boundaries are one of the most misunderstood concepts in relationships. Many people view them as walls that keep others out, when they’re actually bridges that allow healthy connection to flourish. Good boundaries don’t reject people—they create safe spaces for authentic relationships to grow.

Without boundaries, relationships become chaotic. You might find yourself feeling resentful, overwhelmed, or taken advantage of. You say yes to every request, absorb others’ emotions as your own, or feel responsible for everyone else’s happiness while neglecting your own wellbeing.

Healthy boundaries are simply clear communication about what you will and won’t accept in your relationships. They’re not about controlling others—they’re about taking responsibility for your own experience and teaching people how to treat you.

Setting boundaries often feels uncomfortable at first, especially if you’ve spent years people-pleasing. You might worry about hurting others’ feelings or being seen as selfish. But boundaries are actually an act of love—both for yourself and others. They create clarity and prevent the resentment that builds when expectations are unclear.

Start small: say no to one request that doesn’t align with your values, express a preference instead of always deferring to others, or communicate your needs clearly rather than hoping others will guess them.

Remember, you’re not responsible for how others react to your boundaries. You’re only responsible for setting them kindly and consistently. Healthy people will respect your boundaries; those who don’t are revealing important information about their character.