I came across this article today on the importance of being firm in your boundaries with others. This is an important issue because for many of us we believe it is not loving to set a firm boundary. However, as you will see in the story, the boundary will help all involved to experience growth. Enjoy.
“Danielle had a problem with tardiness. When she joined a support group, she immediately became an active and involved member. She was a caring person and so well-liked that when her lateness trait emerged, the group quickly forgave it. In fact, they would wait until she rushed in before they’d start discussing issues. They finally saw that the problem wasn’t getting better, so they told her, “Danielle, we care about you, but we’re concerned about your tardiness. It’s bad for you and for us. So from now on, we’re starting on time, whether or not you’re here. Not only that but for the next several meetings, we’re assigning the first fifteen minutes of the group as ‘Danielle’s time.’ You can share all your issues during that time, but not after.”
Danielle agreed to the plan. The next week she was on time. Then, the next few, she came in late again. She’d have ten, then five, then only two minutes to share. But she managed. Finally, one night, she and her teenage daughter had a big fight that upset her a great deal, and she really needed the group’s input and support. But she had planned too many things again, and she hurried in, fifteen minutes late. She asked the group for extra time, as it was really important. “We are interested in hearing about your struggle,” they said, “next week.”
At first, Danielle was hurt and angry, thinking her friends were too harsh. They held their boundaries, though, in a loving way. And that week Danielle made a turnaround. She was early for the group, and her pattern began to change. When the group congratulated her and asked her how she did it, she replied, “When I got up this morning the first thing I thought about was how much I missed sharing with you all, and it helped me be realistic about my schedule today.” (Cloud, 2019)
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NOTE: Dr Cloud, Henry. Your consequences influence others to change. Boundaries.me. September, 24, 2019.
