Boundaries are the dividing lines between one individual and another, a means of separating one person from another physically, psychologically, and emotionally.
Boundaries are essential to preserve our safety and autonomy. They delineate me from you and help protect us from toxic individuals (like narcissists) who seek to dominate, control, or manipulate us. Types of boundaries include:
Physical: The amount of physical space and touch we're comfortable with
Emotional: The freedom to feel what we feel and share only what we feel safe sharing
Sexual: Our right to bodily autonomy
Time and energy: Valuable resources we must protect
Financial: Financial autonomy
Mental: The right to our own thoughts, ideas, and opinions
Learning to clearly express and defend our own boundaries is essential to maintaining our sense of self. Narcissists are notorious boundary busters, pushing the limits and engaging in subtle manipulations to do so (e.g., using tactics such as guilt or playing on our fears of abandonment).
Enforcing boundaries can be challenging and uncomfortable at first, particularly for those of us prone to guilt or people-pleasing tendencies, but, I promise, it gets easier with practice. Once you get the hang of it, it actually feels good to stand up for yourself and assert what you will and won't tolerate—and you'll feel safer, more secure, and more self-confident for doing so!