Setting Healthy Boundaries- Introduction

 In order to understand what a boundary is we can compare it to the skin of the human body.  Our skin protects us from dirt, toxins, and bacteria in the environment.  Just as our skin creates a boundary against harmful elements, the boundaries we establish in relationships can protect us emotionally from ‘toxic’ people- the ones who ‘push our buttons’ so intensely that we react in ways which leave us feeling guilty, ashamed, and frustrated.

In the next few weeks, we will explore:

·         The nature of boundaries

·         Healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviors 

·         How to establish and maintain boundaries

In the next chapter, we will answer the question, “What is a healthy boundary?” with examples and specific ideas on how to communicate boundaries through our words and actions.