Practice Setting Boundaries

Everyone has different communication styles, so it’s important to practice being direct and straightforward.

Sometimes, when we’re dealing with people who have a similar personality to our own, maintaining healthy boundaries doesn’t require clear-cut language. For these situations, subtlety can work fine, because your communication styles are alike.

Other times, you might be dealing with someone with a different personality or cultural background, which requires being very direct. If one party considers it acceptable to challenge the other’s opinion, but you’re feeling disrespected and tense – it’s your job to speak out and say, “I think we’re finished with this conversation, let’s change the subject.”

Make it a point to communicate your discomfort as directly as possible, whether out loud, or even in your head – just as a way to practice.

Questions? Ask away! I’m here for you!

Jodi Harman