Do you ever feel like it’s mean or selfish to set boundaries? Do you feel guilty — like you’re doing something wrong — when you set boundaries? If so, read on to learn how to set boundaries without being mean and without the guilt and icky feeling that your needs don’t matter. What are boundaries? Boundaries create physical and emotional […]
Category Archives: boundaries
Boundaries: The Solution for Feeling Overwhelmed
Jill feels overwhelmed. Jill has been working 12-hour days all week. She’s barely seen her son, let alone spent any quality time with him, which leaves her feeling guilty. Her 11-year-old is nagging her to have three friends over to watch a movie on Friday night, but Jill is exhausted. It’s Mother’s Day weekend and she still hasn’t gotten […]
Coping with Challenging People and Situations During the Holidays
Will you be facing some challenging people or situations as you celebrate the holidays this year? Holiday celebrations can be joyful, but they can also be stressful when we encounter “difficult” people and more demands on our time, energy, and finances. Often there are unspoken expectations or traditions that we feel obligated to participate in, leaving us feeling resentful […]
How to Set Boundaries with Negative People
Negative people deplete your energy Negative people are like “energy vampires”. I first encountered the term energy vampire when I read Judith Orloff’s book Emotional Freedom (affiliate link) a few years ago. No matter what you call them, we’ve all encountered them. Energy vampires are those people who exude negative energy, drain you emotionally, and leave you empty and annoyed. […]
How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt
People-pleasers are sometimes described as “doormats” because they let everyone walk all over them. You can learn how to set boundaries without guilt, communicate assertively, and respect yourself and others.
Guide to Healthy Holiday Boundaries
The holidays add some extra challenges when it comes to healthy boundaries. As you know, the holiday season means more social commitments, financial pressures, family gatherings, more eating and drinking. You may find yourself over-stressed and off your normal routine of exercising, sleeping, healthy eating and other positive coping activities.
Nice Guy’s Guide to Setting Boundaries with your Ex
Setting Boundaries with Your Ex This is my second post in my Nice Guy series. It is aimed at helping “nice guys” to have happier, healthier relationships and get their needs met. Even though it’s titled Nice Guys, I think many women will relate as well. I work with a lot of “nice guys” in my psychotherapy practice. They tend […]
Nice Guy’s Guide to Saying No
OK, Nice Guys and Gals, you’ve decided it’s time to learn the art of saying no. Perhaps you’re a bit of a people-pleaser or perfectionist. You can absolutely learn how to say no and not feel bad about it. Saying no is an essential form of self-care. Saying no sets a boundary. Boundaries preserve our physical and emotional well-being and […]