One of the most important ways friends and dating partners can show each other respect is by respecting each other’s boundaries. You can set boundaries with your partner by openly communicating them with each other. Here are some boundaries that you may want to set in your relationships.

Emotional Boundaries:

• Saying “I Love You”: This happens for different people at different parts of the relationship. You should not feel pressured to say it until you are ready.
• Time Apart: It is important for couples to have time apart from each other. In healthy relationships, people encourage their partners to have their own friends and interests.

Physical Boundaries:

• Physical Affection: Don’t rush into anything you are not ready for. In a healthy relationship, both partners communicate how far they are willing to go and respect each others’ feelings and boundaries.
• Not “Owing” Anyone: Just because your partner pays attention to you, pays for a date, or says “I Love You” doesn’t mean you owe them anything. This includes sex, staying out past curfew, or anything else you don’t feel comfortable doing. Being coerced or forced into saying yes to something you do not want to do is not consent, it is coercion. Healthy relationships respect consent.

Digital Boundaries:

• Access: Even if you completely trust your partner, it’s important to keep passwords private and to ask each other before using each other’s devices. You are entitled to have your digital privacy respected.
• Availability: Just like you have the right to spend time away from your partner, you also have the right to not be available through messaging or text at all times. Healthy relationships respect each partner’s right to turn off their phone or not respond immediately to messages.
• Social Media Posts: It is important that you communicate with your partner what you are and are not comfortable with them posting about you or your relationships. This includes photos, tags, and details you do not want shared with others. It is important that you respect each other’s feelings on what does and does not get shared on social media.
• Photos and Sexting: Once you hit send on a photo or a message, you lose control over who sees it. Just because a partner sends you a photo or a sext, does not mean you have to send one back.

Article provided by HelpLine Delaware.

Categories: Self-Care Resources