Boundaries are beautiful.
Boundaries allow us to be healthy individuals who can have close relationships. Without boundaries, other people can run all over us, using us, manipulating us, and leaving us emotionally depleted. It's like allowing strangers to walk right into your front door, and take a swig of milk straight from the carton...while possibly carrying out your TV on their way out. That vulnerable feeling is what it's like for a person who hasn't clarified their boundaries, or who doesn't yet know how to communicate them, and protect them. A broken boundary is a cringe-worthy, hold-your-breath moment of "ick." It means someone has just ignored your wishes. They have knowingly trampled over your values, taken more than their share, used you, or violated an agreement! Not a good feeling. But are you just being difficult? People who break your boundaries often may put the blame on YOU. They may say that you are being too hard nosed or difficult. Also, boundary-breakers are often