Boundaries

I don’t know who needs to hear this but *you are not responsible for people’s reactions and emotions to a healthy boundary that you set for yourself or your family.*

I (a recovering codependent people-pleaser) received that advice about a year and a half ago and it’s something I’ve had to keep in the back of my mind, especially when someone recently told me that the boundaries I set regarding c-19 “hurt their feelings.”

Of course I instantly felt bad - I never want to hurt anyone. But then I remembered that advice & that the feelings they felt weren’t my responsibility - I was (and am) setting boundaries that are needed for myself and my family.

Do I want to hurt people? Absolutely not. But at the end of the day I’m not responsible for anyone’s feelings in response to my boundaries.

Do others have to agree with our boundaries? Nope. They don’t even have to understand our boundaries and why we have them in order for them to respect them.

You are responsible for yourself - your boundaries, your attitude, your words, your life. You can’t control how others perceive you, and you are not responsible for their feelings, behavior, or their opinion of you.

P.S. You don’t need to apologize or explain a healthy boundary you’ve set. If someone respects you, your boundaries won’t offend them. ✌🏼