Three Signs You Need Better Boundaries

Have you ever found yourself feeling drained, overwhelmed, or even resentful in your relationships? Do you struggle to say no, even when you know you should? If so, it may be time to take a closer look at your boundaries.

Boundaries are essential for protecting your time, energy, and emotional well-being. They help you create healthier relationships, improve self-respect, and reduce stress. Healthy boundaries aren’t about controlling others or telling people what to do—they’re about communicating your needs and limits clearly and respectfully. Healthy boundaries allow you to take responsibility for yourself while giving others the freedom to do the same. But how do you know if your boundaries need work? Here are three clear signs:

1. You Feel Resentful or Drained

If you constantly feel exhausted or taken advantage of, your boundaries might be too loose. Maybe you say yes to things out of obligation, or you give too much of yourself without receiving support in return. Over time, this can lead to frustration and burnout.

What to do: Start paying attention to when you feel resentful—this is often a sign that a boundary has been crossed. Practice saying “I can’t commit to that right now” or “I need some time for myself.”

2. You Struggle with Guilt or Over-Accommodating

Do you ever feel guilty for putting yourself first? Do you say yes just to avoid disappointing others? People with weak boundaries often put others’ needs above their own, leading to self-neglect and frustration.

What to do: Remind yourself that taking care of your own needs isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Set limits by saying, “I’d love to help, but I don’t have the capacity right now.”

3. You Experience Anxiety Around Certain People or Situations

If certain interactions leave you feeling anxious or uneasy, it might be because your boundaries aren’t being respected. This could look like feeling obligated to always be available, responding to messages immediately, or tolerating behavior that makes you uncomfortable.

What to do: Identify what makes you anxious and set a clear boundary. For example, if someone repeatedly calls at inconvenient times, you can let them know, “I won’t be answering calls after 8 PM.”

Ready to Strengthen Your Boundaries?

If any of these signs sound familiar, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate this alone, either. My online course on setting boundaries will help you: Identify your personal boundary challenges, learn practical strategies for setting and enforcing boundaries, and build confidence in saying no without guilt

Take the first step toward healthier boundaries today! Click here to visit the course.