Setting healthy boundaries as an act of self-care.

The key to healthy relationships

Setting healthy boundaries is a crucial skill in preventing a great deal of daily conflict.

A personal boundary is a clear statement of what you consider acceptable or unacceptable in your relationships, protecting your well-being, your identity and your core values.

Setting boundaries is not an act of selfishness; it is an act of self-care that allows you to protect your time, your energy, your emotional health and your priorities.

It is one of the most powerful ways to show respect for yourself and the other person.

For many people, setting boundaries is difficult for fear of rejection, conflict or the guilt of saying "no."

However, the consequence of constantly giving in is frustration, resentment and ultimately an emotional outburst, as what is not expressed builds up.

Therefore, learning to set boundaries assertively is one of the most important skills for intelligent conflict management.

Boundaries as a form of communication

Boundaries are a form of communication that order the relationship, not separate it. They are not aggression, but personal protection.

When properly set, boundaries do not destroy relationships, but rather strengthen them by laying the groundwork for mutual respect.

In addition, a clear boundary can prevent a larger future conflict.

If the other person truly values you, he or she will learn to respect your boundaries, and if he or she doesn't, it's a sign that the bond may not be healthy.

To set boundaries effectively, it is crucial to follow a series of steps:

Recognize your needs: Identify what you need to protect, whether it's your time, your rest, your emotional space or your energy.

You can't draw a line if you don't know where it should be. Express the boundary clearly and calmly: Avoid detours and ambiguities.

Be direct and respectful, using first-person phrases such as "I'd love to help you, but it's not possible today" to avoid accusation.

Be consistent: A boundary is not a threat. If you draw it, you must keep it.

Allowing it to be crossed constantly confuses the other person and undermines yourself, so consistency is critical to an effective message.

Watch your body language: Your body should reinforce what your words say.

Maintain eye contact, an upright posture and a firm but not a