In a world where feeling superior is common and pressurizing someone into submission is rampant, understanding healthy boundaries and learning to build that line has become extremely necessary.
The rate of sexual harassment and marital assault has been shooting up, and with that comes the outpouring need for sound therapy and counseling.
Precaution is better than cure.
The meaning of this slogan runs more profound than it is perceived. Learn to assert healthy boundaries in each of your personal and professional relationships to stay safe.
Here are the best ways to build a line within your relationship without jeopardizing them and avoiding any enforced sexual act.
Know the importance of setting boundaries
Before hopping on the bus of setting boundaries, consider understanding why you need them in the first place. Boundaries are essential to your relationships because they help you maintain a balance with your partner. Knowing where to draw a line can also help avoid conflicts as they set the foundation of cleared-out expectations from both parties.
Don’t Shy Away from voicing Your Needs
Most cases of marital rape are justified on the basis of the state of consent confusion and the inability of either party to state what they’re not okay with. We often indulge in overthinking about our needs and how someone can negatively judge them. Being honest with your partner is the least you can do when it comes to clearing the air. Make sure that you clearly communicate what you are comfortable with and ensure you truly know what they are expecting from you.
Openly Listen to What Your Partner Needs
Stating your expectations and needs will never be welcomed unless they come with an understanding of your friend’s or partner’s needs and expectations as well. Any kind of relationship, professional or personal, needs an open middle ground of set expectations to avoid any messy conflicts. Relationships are a two-way street, so no matter how much you want to dodge the subject, you will have to face and discuss it eventually.
Delegate When You Need Space
Your partner may need more physical affection, and it will not be accessible when you are not ready for it. Dodging the topic and ignoring it misleads the other party, often leading to pressure for more physical intimacy. The war wages between your lover’s needs and your need for space, which takes on a path of mental torture. Clearly inform your partner of how much space you need and learn their needs when it comes to wanting more space.
Communicate with respect
Last but not least, it sometimes can be frustrating when it comes to communicating such matters. However, talk about your expectations and discuss them with respect. When discussed with respect and care, things often lead to a nurturing and growing relationship.
Finally, these are a few steps you can take toward building healthy boundaries. A new book, “Women and Rape: Achieving Justice Together,” is out now, creating further awareness of sexual assault and its different kinds.
Give it a read to know the causes and prevention techniques.
