"Good fences make good neighbors." This famous quote by Robert Frost simple refers to the need for healthy boundaries in all relationships. Boundaries are a separation indicating where you end and where someone else begins. They reflect how you want to be treated in your relationships and they need to be vocalized.
Is it OK to open your partner's mail? Or go to his/her wallet? Or read his/her e mail? Your answer to these questions may be based upon the way that these situations were handled in the family that you grew up in. For some of us such behaviors were commonplace, while for others of you they are taboo. In fact, all of them are boundary violations. If you were used to not having your boundaries respected as a child, you may be more likely to ignore or put up with them with them as an adult.
Setting boundaries is really an expression of valuing yourself and your needs. Boundaries are an essential part of any healthy relationship. When they exist, safe trusting relationships can be created. In their absence there can be hurt and feeling of violation. It is important that they be stated clearly. For example. One partner may say, "I need to get to sleep early so that I can get up early tomorrow morning."Or, "If you want to be with me, this is how I want to be treated or spoken to."Some people may view making this kind of statement as selfish. They may worry that they will be rejected or abandoned if they do so. They may assume that their partner automatically knows their wants and needs. Or they may expect others to feel the same way that they do. In fact, none of these are true.
Healthy boundaries involve speaking up when we feel ignored and advocating for ourselves. For example, "I feel disrespected when my privacy is ignored." Or, "I am not ok with you speaking to me in a condescending manner or being verbally abusive." Setting of boundaries is a constantly evolving process. They must be stated and maintained. When they are stated but blurred or ignored, a partner may feel less important,used or manipulated. Clear communication allows them to be understood. When that is not the case, you may erroneously assume that the other person is not trying.
Boundary statements need not be delivered harshly so that they are perceived as criticism. They can be stated simply. For example, "I need time twice a week to practice my music." Or, "I want to have some quality time with you every evening." Or, "I need to spend time with my children twice month. Or, "I want to have some of my own money."
Some boundaries may be deal breakers. For example, cheating is a boundary violation. As people find a way to respect each other’s needs, they are setting themselves up for a more successful relationship or friendship.