Have you ever wondered why different people react differently to the things you say and do? Maybe you told your parents a story that made them laugh, but found that the same story was upsetting to the kids at school. What caused them to react so differently?
Boundaries are the cut-off point between what a person finds funny and charming, and what they find hurtful and inappropriate. You may not always share a person's boundaries, but it's still important to respect them.
That's why it's especially important to be a good listener when you're first getting to know someone. Listening will help you get a feel for the topics they are comfortable discussing. If they become withdrawn when you bring up a certain topic, or they try to change subjects, you may be making them uncomfortable. Then it is better to pull back in the conversation, and let them take the lead for a while.
While many people won't tell you directly that you've made them uncomfortable, some people will. In that case, it's always best to apologize and correct the offensive behavior. Failing to take a step back can create a lot of discomfort for the people around you. Most people can forgive a one-time slip, but you should avoid making the same mistake repeatedly, which can damage a friendship.
A. You aren't sure of a person's boundaries.
B. Different people have different boundaries.
C. The gateway to a healthy relationship is boundaries.
D. They may tell you that you're standing too close to them.
E. Pay attention to the way they react to your ideas and jokes.
F. A person tends to tell you directly if you've made a mistake.
G. The answer has something to do with a tricky concept called boundaries.
