What are boundaries and why are they so important? Boundaries are lines that we draw that tell ourselves and others what we are okay and not okay with, in a relationship. Setting boundaries with your dating partner will help ensure that everyone is safe and encourage a healthy relationship.

Boundaries vary and not everyone will agree or share the same boundaries, and that is okay, but it is important that we respect someone’s boundary and the consequences they have set if we don’t.

Boundaries can be physical, emotional, sexual, more. Common boundaries in a dating relationship may include how you talk to one another, not resorting to any sort of physical violence, asking for consent before sex, how much time you spend with one another … the list goes on.

Some steps you can take when wanting to set boundaries include:

  • Identifying your boundary
  • Communicating it to your partner
  • Creating consequences if your partner oversteps your boundary
  • Maintaining the boundary

When you set this boundary, some people may feel upset or annoyed, but it’s important to remember that you have a right to your boundaries, and it will keep you safer and ensure you are being treated the way you want to be treated. If someone continuously oversteps your boundaries, they are not respecting you and you may want to assess if this is a healthy relationship.

Author

  • Lauren Espinosa

    I am a proud alum of Texas State University where I got my undergraduate and a graduate degree in social work. I am the dating violence counselor at the Hays-Caldwell Women's Center where I help people process their trauma and work toward healing. I also educate my clients and the public on healthy relationships and spread awareness on dating violence. I spend my time outside of work reading fantasy books and enjoy spending time with my partner and our cat, for self-care.