Making And Keeping Friends
1
Establishing and Honoring Boundaries
Feelings
inside of you (intuition) let you know who you do and don't want to be
close to. Sometimes you may want to be close to a person but are
confused by questions of boundaries. You may ask yourself questions
like "Have I called too much this week?" "Have I stayed too long;
should I leave now?" "Should I offer to help her with the children or
would she be uncomfortable with that?" It's appropriate to ask yourself
such questions. Boundaries may differ from person to person. You may
feel comfortable with some people calling you whenever they feel like
it, but you may want to put some restriction around calls from other
people. You may not want to go to certain kinds of activities with some
friends but be happy to go to the same activity with others.
People commonly set limits or boundaries around things like
the amount of time spent together and place to get together
the kind and frequency of shared activities
phone call time limits time of day, frequency, and length
connection with family
amount of physical touch
topics of conversation
In
all relationships, you have the right to define your own limits and
boundaries so you feel comfortable and safe. Say "no" to anything you
don't want. You have the right to ask for what you need, want, and
deserve. Expect and insist that others respect your boundaries and, as
a good friend, always respect their boundaries.
1
Establishing and Honoring Boundaries
Feelings
inside of you (intuition) let you know who you do and don't want to be
close to. Sometimes you may want to be close to a person but are
confused by questions of boundaries. You may ask yourself questions
like "Have I called too much this week?" "Have I stayed too long;
should I leave now?" "Should I offer to help her with the children or
would she be uncomfortable with that?" It's appropriate to ask yourself
such questions. Boundaries may differ from person to person. You may
feel comfortable with some people calling you whenever they feel like
it, but you may want to put some restriction around calls from other
people. You may not want to go to certain kinds of activities with some
friends but be happy to go to the same activity with others.
People commonly set limits or boundaries around things like
the amount of time spent together and place to get together
the kind and frequency of shared activities
phone call time limits time of day, frequency, and length
connection with family
amount of physical touch
topics of conversation
In
all relationships, you have the right to define your own limits and
boundaries so you feel comfortable and safe. Say "no" to anything you
don't want. You have the right to ask for what you need, want, and
deserve. Expect and insist that others respect your boundaries and, as
a good friend, always respect their boundaries.