(GoHealthier.com) – It’s human nature to want to be liked. For some of us, learning to set healthy boundaries, stick to them, and say no can be challenging because we do want to be liked.
Learning how to respect ourselves by setting boundaries and saying no to toxic people is essential in modeling how we want other people to treat us. Read the full story for tips on how to say no to toxic people and claim back healthy boundaries.
| Quick Read: Setting firm boundaries means protecting our space and energy, as well as our mental and physical health. Learning to say no to toxic people’s requests and demands is a critical part of boundary setting. Read on for tips on how to set boundaries and stick to them. |
Healthy Boundaries Are a Must When Dealing With Toxic People
Boundaries Help Self-Esteem and Relationships
When people have healthy boundaries, they often feel more settled and secure. They know where they stand and address that stance with others. They may also attract others with good boundaries, allowing for a mutually respectful relationship.
Narcissists and other toxic people who take advantage of others often look for those who have poor boundaries. By setting strong and healthy boundaries and feeling good about it, a person is less likely to attract people who may try to take advantage of them.
Decide What You Value and Need
To set good boundaries and say no to toxic people, a person needs to decide which boundaries are specifically essential to them. One person’s boundaries may not work for someone else — and that’s perfectly fine.
By thinking carefully about what matters and what’s valued, anyone can choose boundaries that work for their individual needs and circumstances. Some limits may be more physical, such as not wanting to be touched by strangers or employers. Other boundaries could be more mental, such as removing oneself from a toxic environment full of arguing or anger.
Be Assertive and Willing to Say No
It may feel strange to be assertive, but it’s a big part of setting boundaries and saying no to toxic people in life. “No” is a powerful word and a complete sentence. It’s also a word that may be very necessary when dealing with toxic people. Many of these people don’t want to take no for an answer, but they will learn to if they aren’t able to break down the other person’s boundaries.
When we say no, toxic people might label us as “difficult” out of frustration or manipulation. We don’t have to accept that label. Being willing to say no and speak up when something is harmful or wrong may help us set stronger boundaries others will learn to respect.
Safeguard Mental and Physical Spaces
Protection from toxic people is critical for a healthy, happy life. This protection comes in both mental and physical forms. It begins by saying no and creating distance from people who don’t want to respect boundaries. How we do that matters, as does taking care of possessions and personal spaces.
Locking up valuables and personal items or not allowing access to a home or other space is one meaningful way to set a boundary. So is avoiding toxic people, ending friendships or relationships, or otherwise moving away from those who refuse to honor the boundaries we set.
Learning to say no and hold boundaries may take practice, as well as some soul-searching to set priorities. It becomes easier to set boundaries around toxic people. Whether they’re family, friends, co-workers, or anyone else in life, we don’t have to allow them to take over. We have the right to our feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and values, and our boundaries should be respected. Setting healthy boundaries with everyone in our lives, especially with toxic people, may help us live happier and healthier lives overall.
~Here’s to a Healthier Life!
Copyright 2024, GoHealthier.com
