Emotional boundaries are the invisible lines that separate your feelings, needs, and desires from those of others. They help you define what you’re comfortable with emotionally and allow you to take responsibility for your emotions without absorbing the emotions of others.

The Importance of Setting Emotional Boundaries

1. Preserving Your Mental Health: Constantly absorbing other people's emotions or overextending yourself emotionally can lead to anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion.
2. Avoiding Resentment: When you don’t set boundaries, you may feel taken advantage of, leading to resentment in relationships.
3. Improving Communication: Healthy boundaries encourage honest, open communication. By setting expectations, you can prevent misunderstandings and manage conflict more effectively.
4. Strengthening Relationships: Boundaries foster mutual respect and understanding, which is essential in both personal and professional interactions.

Signs You Need to Set Emotional Boundaries

• You feel emotionally drained after interacting with certain people.
• You often say 'yes' when you want to say 'no.'
• You feel responsible for other people’s happiness or moods.
• You avoid conflict at all costs, even when it compromises your own needs.
• You feel guilty for taking time for yourself or expressing your needs.