Set boundaries by identifying what you will do, rather than setting rules for others.

Use kind, clear language that assumes good intentions.

If boundaries are disregarded, use direct communication and concrete boundary management strategies.

With the holidays quickly approaching, the influx of family gatherings is right around the corner. If you've avoided certain relatives and are growing anxious about the idea of being stuck next to them at the dinner table, now is the time to learn how to set boundaries.

The intention behind setting and maintaining boundaries is not to push people away, create distance, or cut off relationships. Instead, boundaries communicate what we need to feel comfortable and maintain healthy, connected relationships with others. They help create the conditions for relationships to thrive, even when people have different perspectives or expectations.

When thinking about setting boundaries, it’s helpful to understand the difference between setting a rule and setting a boundary. A rule tells someone else what they can or cannot do ("You can't give me........

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