Setting Boundaries with the Strong-Minded People In Your Life
Doing so is how you build mutual respect.
Are you afraid to set boundaries with the strong-minded people in your life?
Strong-minded people meaning those who are assertive, know who they are, what they want, and who are maybe a little intimidating, however really do love and care for you.
Having boundaries with these kinds of people in your life is self-honoring, self-respecting, and very healthy for the overall relationship.
As a matter of fact, these specific people are dying for you to raise your standards, speak up more, and have a personal opinion that you’re not afraid to share.
They want a healthy relationship with you, but they can’t be the one leading by example all the time. You have to show up and lead too. No strong-minded, healthy person wants to be in a friendship or a romantic relationship with a pushover or a people pleaser.
They want to be around other confident, self-assured individuals because that’s who they appreciate, respect, and value the most.
I had to learn how to set boundaries with my strong-minded friends and family as well. It wasn’t easy though, if anything, it was super awkward for me. Awkward because for a long time, I was the type of person who would sit, listen, be quiet, and agree with almost everything the other would say.
Later in life, I discovered that this way of being was no longer working for me, nor was it for my relationships. I’m glad I grew out of this dimming my light nonsense when I did because, let me tell you, it was defeating!
However, taking steps to do so was pretty scary. It’s challenging to raise your standards, create new concepts and beliefs about yourself, and speak up when you’re used to going along with everything.
It takes practice, courage, and I’d even say commitment. Yes, commitment because without it, it’s easy to go right back to your old self where it felt safe, warm, and cozy. Yet, you and I both know playing it safe and being a doormat is nothing short of disheartening, frustrating, and depressing.
The first step you’ll need to take in creating healthy boundaries with the strong-minded people in your life is to get clear on why this is important for you in the first place.
What will having these boundaries do for you?
Will it have you feeling more like an equal in the relationship. Valued, respected, and on the same page.
How will it make a difference in your relationship?
Will it make a difference by you starting to do and enjoy more adventures and experiences together. Experiences that both of you want as opposed to just one of you.
What do you ultimately want the outcome to be in your relationship with having these new boundaries?
An outcome of feeling safe to speak your truth, being heard and listened to like how you hear and listen to them.
These are the types of questions you want to ask yourself when building up the courage of setting and communicating boundaries with those you love and care for so deeply.
Nothing is wrong with setting boundaries with the strong-minded people in your life. If anything, it’s one of the most self-honoring and self-respecting things you could do for yourself and your relationships. You might indeed catch some of your loved ones off guard when you start boundary setting; however, they’ll grow to appreciate, value, and respect you for doing so soon enough.
