Setting Boundaries 101
And… my first steamy Prompt for Dancing Elephants Relationship Column
Setting boundaries is essential in every relationship, including friends, co-workers, family members, neighbors, and romantic interests. Today, I will focus on romantic relationships. Whether you are dating or married, boundaries will help you set a foundation for a respectful, happy relationship. So, let’s examine what that looks like, how to set them, and why so many people struggle with boundaries. Stick around until the end because I have an exciting proposition for you to write about to kick off the new year with a little steamy heat!
Seven Types of Boundaries in Relationships
- Personal Space Boundaries: Will you live together before marriage? Who will get what closet space? Where will keep things organized?
- Sexual Boundaries: Will you kiss in public? Are you kinky? How often will you have sex? Will you try new things?
- Financial Boundaries: Will you share a bank account? Who will pay for what?
- Intellectual Boundaries: What are your political views? Religious?
- Emotional Boundaries
- Time Boundaries
- Expectation Boundaries: What is your five-year plan? Long-term plan? Will you have children? How will you spend your holidays? How will you handle extended family?
Why Are Boundaries So Difficult for So Many People?
- Some never had to set them or even heard of them
- Some are terrified of abandonment
- Others have acceptance issues and fear a lack of acceptance
Examples of Boundaries in a Relationship
- I value your opinion, but this is my decision.
- I can text in the morning and evening, but I need to focus on work during the day, so if you text me and I do not reply, please do not feel hurt or like I don’t love you. I am just focused on work during that time.
- I love spending time with you, but I also need a little time alone and some time for my friends and family.
Final Thoughts
Setting boundaries protects our emotional energy as well as our physical bodies. Set whatever boundary you feel you need. You can set new boundaries at any point in life. The key is to talk openly about your boundaries with your significant other so that you set them up for success. If they break your boundaries, be firm and honest about how disappointing and hurtful that is to you. If they break it continuously, it is a sign of disrespect toward you — at that point, you need to evaluate if you want to remain in that toxic relationship.
Writing Prompt
I am thrilled to launch my new Relationship Column officially! Whoo whoooo what a spicy, sensual way to start 2024! I would love to have you contribute. If you would like to be added as a writer for Dancing Elephants Press, please comment.
TaDa, the first prompt for 2024:
What would you consider a deal breaker in your relationship?
A deal breaker is a bottom-line boundary with zero second chances. I would love to hear from you and know if you have a bottom line in place or have walked away from a previous relationship due to a broken bottom line. If you watch my YouTube video, you will learn what my bottom line deal breaker is 😉.
Happy New Year Everyone. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for contributing to my new Relationship Column. By sharing our personal stories, we can all relate to and help each other grow into the best version of ourselves. The articles I have received already are incredibly heartfelt and inspiring. I will share a few below. You are absolutely amazing. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel, where I share short videos on yoga, relationships, meditation, and living our best life.
✍ — Published by Libby Shively McAvoy at Dancing Elephant Press. Click here for guidelines to post.
With love from your editors:
Dr. Gabriella Korosi, Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, Dr. Preeti Singh, Annelise Lords, DR Rawson — The Possibilist, Libby Shively McAvoy and Lisa Precious / Smiley Blue
Writers for the Relationship Column: Thank you so much for sharing your relationship experiences. We can all learn from one another, help each other avoid mistakes, inspire beautiful love stories, and help navigate through difficult challenges. We are better together. Thank you for your contributions.
As a reminder, when you submit, please tag #Dep Life and Include “In response to Dancing Elephants Press Relationship Column” in the subtitle, and tag me. This way, I can be sure to find your article and share it widely for maximum exposure. ❤️
For Our Writers: Thank you for being here with us at Dancing Elephants Press and helping spread positivity to the world.
Now, I am featuring some of the excellent articles already written in the relationship column.
Yana Bostongirl wrote an excellent article to start the New Year! Thank you Yana, for this positive inspiration ❤️
Rick Allen wrote an incredible article about the importance of self-love in relationships and getting rid of dependence.
Dr. Fatima Imam beautifully explains the dichotomy of trust.
