Definition
In psychology and relationships, the emotional, physical, and mental limits a person sets to protect their well-being and maintain healthy relationships; the practice of communicating what is and isn't acceptable in how you're treated or what you will or won't do. Healthy boundaries balance self-care with respect for others.
Example Usage
She established firm boundaries with her family by limiting visits to once a month and refusing to engage in political arguments.
Origin
Conceptualized in modern psychology in the 1980s-1990s, though the idea of personal limits has existed in philosophy and ethics for centuries.
Fun Fact
The term 'boundaries' has become so central to wellness culture that it's now mainstream advice, though its meaning is sometimes diluted into a catch-all excuse for avoiding relationships.
Related Terms
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