Let’s talk about the different types of boundaries that you may want to talk about with the people in your life, as well as why they matter. I find that sitting down and talking them through is helpful. Here are some ideas to get you and your friends started with setting up spaces that feel good to you.
Material Boundaries
- What are you comfortable with lending out and/or sharing with others?
- How long are you comfortable lending things out for?
- What are your limits on favors and service you are willing to be available for?
- What are your boundaries for use of items, such as how much damage you are willing to deal with?
Physical Boundaries
- Personal space: How close are you looking to have people near you? Are there certain ways you do not like to be approached?
- Touching:
- Who can touch you?
- How they can touch you?
- Where they can touch you?
- When they can touch you?
- Sexual Boundaries: Things you like and do not like. This can definitely be inclusive of your touching boundaries. It can also be in alignment of things you like and do not like. Or things you have seen and may be interested in trying or things you have seen and are in no way intrigued by.
Mental Boundaries
- Thoughts: How you have processed ideas and keeping to what you have actually thought about
- Values: knowing what you find to be important to you
- Opinions: Keeping to how you view or how you have judged something
- Beliefs: Keeping to what you find to be true
Emotional Boundaries
- Learning how to separate your feelings from other people's feelings
- Giving yourself permission to have feelings and not taking on the burdens of others
- Knowing your worth, that you are worthy of love and will not put up with less
- Being aware of your feelings
- Being aware of your choices
- Being aware that you are responsible for YOU
