As a college student with a job, setting healthy boundaries between my professors and my boss can be tricky. As a matter of fact, my so-called “social life” needs work too. Young adults are taught to seize every opportunity given to them but what happens when it becomes too much to bear? The best way to set healthy boundaries is to start by saying NO. Make a list of your top 3 priorities and stick to them; accepting more roles will only diminish the quality of work you do.
There’s no shame in dropping a class or quitting a job in order to make room for your other responsibilities. Setting healthy boundaries is also important in relationships. It benefits your relationship when you establish rules and limits in order to avoid being in a toxic or co-dependent relationship.
If you are not comfortable being hugged, it’s important to communicate that because you deserve to be respected. Prioritize your needs before anyone else’s, for example: If you are out with your friends all day and they want to continue, you politely tell them that you are tired and would like to go home. There’s no need to force ourselves to do things for the sake of others. Once you practice these habits with yourself, it will become easier to build up your self-esteem in the process.
Being independent is the most freeing experience a woman can have. However, it’s very easy to lose yourself and get wrapped up in other people’s lives. Stay true to your boundaries and make sure all the people in your life respect them as well.