Respecting Boundaries

The Importance of Granting Space and Honoring Privacy

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Let’s talk about it! Boundaries. A boundary in the social sense, is a parameter within a relationship, friendship, or social connection. To some individuals, boundaries are not recognized or respected. The value of boundaries upholds how much we treasure a person’s emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and physical presence. Cultivating boundaries is fundamental to creating a safe space for those who matter closest to us. A 2021 poll from the Stress in America initiative with the American Psychological Association posited that half of its respondents “feel uneasy about re-adjusting to in-person interaction post-pandemic”.

Respectful Boundaries

Boundaries are important not just for the sake of empathetic connection, but because of fundamental rights to human dignity. Respect, applied toward boundaries, is equally significant as no one deserves to be invaded and violated. More than anything, we must establish boundaries to protect our identity, energy, and synergy. Consider the following perspective relating to boundaries:

“Respectful boundaries are needed so that we can look after ourselves and continue to give to others. After all, nobody can be expected to pour from an empty cup.” — ― Mungi Ngomane, Everyday Ubuntu: Living…