Having a healthy relationship starts with mutual respect, communication and understanding the need for respect of your partners emotional and physical boundaries. Setting clear boundaries from the onset is essential to building a balanced relationship. Below we give you tips on how to respect your partner’s boundaries and privacy for an effective relationship.
1. Know Each Others Limits
When you first start seeing someone it's easy to create a facade. As your relationship builds and you become more involved you should discuss what's acceptable to you and what isn’t. You should try to be as specific as possible, to avoid falling into the trap and possible disappointment over something you could have said from the onset.
2. Know each other's values
We all have different limits, and they’re often determined by our personal values and life experiences. For example, if you value work above all else, this might lead to stricter limits on how much time you have available for socialising or spending time with the family. Know what’s most important to each other, and protect it.
3. Have Respect
Have respect for yourself and your partner. Boundaries that are too open might be misguided attempts to be liked by elevating your partners needs above your own. Remember your views matter just as much as your partners and make sure your actions are fair to yourself and your partner.
4. Consider Your Partner's View
Relationships are all about give and take. You also need to know that not all battles need a conversation about. Some days one person will give more than the other takes, and other days you will take more than you give. Be open minded and willing to have a longer perspective of your relationship, be mindful if you’re always the one who’s giving or taking, this might cause problems.
Conclusion
Personal boundaries are the limits and rules we set for ourselves within relationships. A person with healthy boundaries can say “no” to a partner when they want to, but they are also comfortable opening themselves up to having intimacy and being close in their relationship. Don't feel you have to change who you are to be in an uncomfortable relationship, it will not help in the long run.
Comments