Talking about boundaries and resilience
Do you find it difficult to talk at home about your limits and what you can cope with? Perhaps you’re not entirely sure where your limits lie. Or you’re worried that others won’t understand. Nevertheless, it’s important to talk about what you can cope with. Especially if symptoms, tiredness or care responsibilities are affecting your family or relationship. Your capacity refers to what you can cope with at any given moment. This can vary from day to day. If you do not discuss this, others may expect too much of you or, conversely, take on too much themselves. Both situations can cause tension.
What do you notice?
Difficulty talking about boundaries can have a significant impact at home.
You may, for example, notice that:
- you go the extra mile to ensure nobody is disappointed;
- others do not understand why something is not working;
- you get angry because you feel overlooked;
- you receive help that makes you feel uncomfortable;
- you continue to take on tasks that are too demanding;
- you feel guilty when you say no;
- you are postponing your appointments;
- misunderstandings may arise;
- you feel alone with your symptoms.
Sometimes you hope that others will automatically realise when things have gone too far. But one’s capacity to cope is often not visible.
