Seven Types of Boundaries*
*According to Positive Psychology
We talk about boundaries all the time. In fact, I’m tired of using this word. If feels like it’s overused, yet somehow still misunderstood. I recently stumbled across the graphic from Positive Psychology on the 7 Types of Boundaries and just became completely enamored. Similar to the “types of wellness” and using those images or models to understand what can be missing and need nurturing in someone’s life, this boundaries graphic breaks better understanding of boundaries based on themes. Let’s dive in.
Time – How much time you spend with someone or doing something. Example: “I can only stay for 30 minutes.”
Mental – Freedom to have your own thoughts, values, and opinions. Example: “I respect your perspective although I do not agree.”
Emotional – How emotionally available you are to others. Example: “As much as I want to support you right now, I do not have the emotional capacity.”
Material – Monetary decisions, giving or lending to others. Example: “I already lent you money last week, so not again right now.”
Internal – Self-regulation, energy expended on self vs. others. Example: “I have been social all week, I need the weekend to myself.”
Conversational – Topics that you do and do not feel comfortable discussing. Example: “I would rather not be a part of this conversation.”
Physical – Privacy, personal space, your body. Example: “I prefer not to hug people I do not know.”
Although I’ve very vocal about saying how I’m not a Coach, I do think the information about understanding boundaries can be beneficial for all parents – regardless of if you’re working with a Coach or Consultant. Learning to understand types of boundaries may help with people understanding boundaries in general. Parents have so much more control than sometimes they realize, and often they give their power to their children without realizing it. It’s time to take back that power by learning to say no to better protect and preserve yourself.
For questions or comments contact Joanna.
