Respecting Others’ Boundaries

When you make respecting boundaries an important part of how you approach relationships you make people feel safer and you make your relationships better.
Here are a few things you can incorporate into all of your relationships to respect people’s boundaries and create a sense of safety between you:
1. Make consent a part of your practice. Ask permission before touching someone, before opening up a vulnerable topic, or before entering their personal space.
2. Notice nonverbal cues and take them as communication (because they are communication). If you get a sense that someone is uncomfortable, check in or redirect your interaction.
3. Apologize when you mess up. All of us will have the experience of overstepping someone’s boundaries. Apologize sincerely and make an effort not to repeat the mistake!
When people feel safe and respected, our relationships can become more connected, more real, and better than ever.