Living Wisdom: Set Emotional Boundaries

Concept

You are not responsible for managing another adult’s emotional state. Boundaries are the space between what is yours and what is not. Setting clear emotional boundaries protects your well-being without requiring others to change.

Key Principle:
“I can care about how you feel — but I don’t have to carry how you feel.”

Examples

• Partner: “You made me feel abandoned when you didn’t answer immediately.”
  Response: “It’s okay to feel upset, but I’m not responsible for your fear of abandonment.”

• Friend: “If you cared, you would drop everything to help me.”
  Response: “I care — and I also have limits. I can’t meet every demand.”

• Sibling: “You’re being selfish for not loaning me money.”
  Response: “It’s not selfish to have financial boundaries.”

• Boss: “You clearly don’t care about the team if you’re not working late.”
  Response: “I care about the team, and I also value work-life balance.”

• Parent: “I guess you’re too busy for your family now.”
  Response: “That sounds like guilt. I love you, but I won’t be controlled by obligation.”