Boundaries help you to define what's your responsibility and what isn't in relationship with others. If you have a hard time setting them, try asking three simple questions.
Talking Points:
- Do you ever feel uncomfortable or imposed upon by someone else? If so, try saying something about it.
- Can you express your own beliefs freely or are you a “yes” man? The ability to set boundaries starts with having the courage to be honest about your thoughts.
- Are you putting too much energy into trying to change someone else? Sometimes you simply need to set a boundary and end a relationship.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Describe your understanding of boundaries up to this point. Would you say that you have a lot of boundaries or that you have few or none? Explain.
- In your own words, why are boundaries important for healthy relationships. What is likely to happen when there aren’t any in place?
- Who in your life makes you uncomfortable at times or stresses you out? How have you responded to this person in the past?
- Do you feel like you withhold from expressing your opinions around certain people? Explain.
- Who have you tried to control in your life and how has that worked out for you?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Adapted from Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend.
