Radical acceptance can significantly improve our relationships with the people we choose to be in relationship with. If we choose to accept our partners, friends, and family members as they are—flaws and all—we build a foundation of understanding and compassion. This creates open communication, increases trust, and reduces conflict as we learn to respond to others’ behaviors with empathy rather than frustration. Ultimately, this can lead to deeper, more authentic conversations, quality time spent, and strong connections.
Stuck on where to place boundaries in your life and relationships? Start with these areas:
Boundaries
- Mental (Personal thoughts/opinions/ideas)
- Emotional (identifying, expressing, taking ownership of personal feelings. This does not include taking ownership of the emotions of others)
- Physical (Who is allowed around you, near you, or in your personal space. Includes physical touch)
- Sexual (Wanted vs. Unwanted sexual touch)
- Communication (What’s Okay vs. Not Okay in how you communicate or receive communication from others)
- Material (What’s Okay vs. Not okay to give/receive of your material belongings).
- Religious(What’s Okay vs. Not okay regarding expressing, disclosing, sharing personal religious beliefs- or lack thereof!)
- Financial (What’s Okay vs Not Okay in terms of spending, giving/receiving money)
In each of these areas, ask yourself the following: What are my non-negotiables? What is absolutely never okay for me in terms of safety, respect, and well-being? These are your firm safety and respect boundaries. Then ask yourself “What is okay and not okay in my daily life? Are there any areas where I have compromised my safety, respect, or well-being, and that no longer is reflective of who I am or my current needs in life?”
Take the time to explore each of these areas. Gaining clarity in these areas is supposed to take time because you are worth it. Do. Not. Rush. Through. This. Be intentional. Some of us never knew what healthy boundaries were. Start exploring these areas by yourself and then use healthy supports, whether an individual therapist, feedback on the community board here, or another individual/group support that can give objective, wellness-centered feedback to you. Remember, as you explore and develop healthy boundaries, you will need to communicate them with others around you.
