Hey there, teens! Friendship is an amazing component of our lives – isn’t it so? But why, just like any other relationship, we should…establish some healthy boundaries.
Do not be scared; it does not mean to establish walls but just to make a space where everyone feels at ease and respected. Now, let’s explore setting appropriate boundaries in teen friendships.
WATCH OUT FOR 10 Self Reflection Questions to Evaluate Yourself
Understanding Friendship Boundaries
Imagine this: You’re at a party and your friend starts to share some private things.
How do you determine what to ask and what not to inquire?
That’s where boundaries come in. Boundaries are like invisible boundaries to define what feels pleasant and proper in friendship.
Communicate Openly
Friendship is all about communication. Inform your friends about your ceilings and your floors. You should also inform of what you are not comfortable sharing.
For instance, if you have a topic that you are not comfortable discussing or anything else that concerns you that you don’t want to share. True friends will appreciate and respect your boundaries.
Respect Differences In A Friendship
We’re all different, right? Some of us love to text all day long, while there are those who prefer their privacy. Dear differences must be respected.
If your friend needs to be alone or he/she is more comfortable communicating via face-to-face meetings, then you will be able to strengthen your friendship by respecting the person’s boundaries.
” Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born“
Personal Space In Teen Friendships
Everybody deserves their private space, and it is good to establish limits (healthy boundaries) regarding that personal space. If you want to be alone for a moment or two or if you’re not in the mood for fun, you don’t have to be ashamed to say so.
True friends are aware of the fact that everyone requires some time to be alone
Digital Boundaries In A Friendship
In the age of smartphones and social media, boundary-less digital environment is essential. So be careful of what goes online and don’t invade your friends’ privacy.
It is not decent to pas with someone else’s individual messages or pictures without that person approval. So keep it positive, and remember either online or offline, the same rules are still in effect
Setting Examples In Building Healthy Boundaries
Let’s bring in a case study. “Suppose you are a dawn person, and your friend enjoys slumber part dialogues? Maybe you are feeling sluggish and not your best during those night conversations.
At the same time, it is perfectly acceptable to insist on setting healthy boundaries about your sleeping regime in order to emphasize to your friend that the time spent together the two of you matters so much. You can reply, “I enjoy our conversations, but it’s late now, and I should sleep. We can talk during the day instead.”
Trust Your Instincts
There is a reason for such gut feeling – trust it! In cases where things don’t feel good it is acceptable to back off and reflect on situations again.
Your instincts are a strong weapon in determining and managing healthy boundaries.
Saying “No” Without Guilt
Finally, one of the most difficult aspects in establishing healthy boundaries is that of saying “no” without feeling guilty. After all, friends should be pleased; however, it is just as essential to prioritize oneself as well. It’s not that you don’t care when you say “no”. It is that you are finally protecting yourself.
“Those who get angry when you set a boundary are the ones you need to set boundaries for.” – J.S. Wolfe
Above quote taken from 17 Inspiring Quotes About Setting Healthy Boundaries.
Setting boundaries involves both parties. Now just as you want your friends to show respect for your boundaries, you should also show boundaries to your friends. Building a healthy and respectful friendship requires open communication, understanding, and compromise
Our boundaries keep changing as we grow and transform. It is important to consider what you need and review your limits now and then. At the same time, maybe what used to feel comfortable a year ago has changed, and this is absolutely fine. Healthy friendships adapt and evolve.
10 Self Reflection Questions to Evaluate Yourself
- Do I feel okay opening up about my thoughts and emotions to this friend?
Reflect on the feeling you get, imagining that you are yourself and able to share your thoughts without fear of judgment. - Am I respected by my friend in terms of boundaries, and do I respect theirs?
Question if there is respect for personal space, preferences, and comfort of the other person. - Am I forced to feel or controlled in some way within this friendship?
Have to look for undue pressure or manipulation and recognize signs of unhealthy dynamics. - Am I in clear and open lines of communication with my friend?
Evaluate the communication that you have in your friendship, may you be able to talk openly about your needs and concerns. - When I need to say “no” or set a limit, do I feel guilty? Ponder if you can assertively respond to “no” without guilt and realize that sometimes it is important to consider your well-being first.
- Does this friendship improve my overall wellness?
See whether your friendship enriches your life, with the effects on emotional, mental and physical well-being. - Do I feel trusting in my instincts when it comes to this friendship, and are they congruent with the feelings of comfort and safety?
Trust your instincts and check that the feeling of safety evoked in you is consistent with feelings of friendliness. - Can I identify and address any indicators of unhealthy dynamics within the friendship? Ready yourself to identify the warning signs of poor work culture, and your willingness in resolving such conditions.
- Do I my friend see from the same perspective and respect our differences?
Check if you and your friend make a mutual acknowledgment of the differences between you. - Have I set my boundaries clearly ?
Prioritize and consider whether your boundaries effective communicated to your friend or he ignores them.
These questions can serve as a helpful self-reflection tool for teens, encouraging them to evaluate the health and dynamics of their friendships in a thoughtful and introspective manner.
