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“And things don’t change in a marriage until the spouse who is taking responsibility for a problem that is not hers decides to say or do something about it.”―Henry Cloud, Boundaries in Marriage
Maintaining healthy boundaries in marriage can help you and your spouse respect each other’s needs and prevent misunderstandings. Time and space are essential for keeping a couple rational. While closeness is not a vice, some distance could make the heart grow fonder. However, this does not mean you cut off from your partner or ignore them. It is about allowing each other some “me time.” This time apart lets you pursue hobbies or activities you enjoy, helping you feel more comfortable and confident, which can enhance your worth in your partner’s eyes.
Some rules and limitations could also bring out the best in each of you and prevent unnecessary interference. Here are some reasons why healthy boundaries are important in a relationship.
What Is A Boundary?
A boundary is a line or limit that partners establish to protect their relationship and guard against exploitation and manipulation. These could be emotional boundaries that protect feelings, physical boundaries that define personal space, or time boundaries that allow time for individual pursuits. By setting these boundaries, you can allocate ownership and responsibility between you two.
Why Are Boundaries Important?
For a relationship to be successful and healthy, you need to be happy with yourself before making your spouse happy. Boundaries help you achieve that and more, they:
- Make you take responsibility for your actions instead of blaming it on your spouse.
- Help resolve conflicts and prevent you and your partner from being hurt.
- Give you the power to change things for good as you are in control of your actions.
- Help you strike a balance between yours and your spouse’s priorities.
All couples go through conflicts in their lives. Some lack intimacy despite having no real problems, while some others sacrifice and yet are not happy in their relationship, some partners don’t take up responsibility, and some cheat on their spouse. The problems may be different, but the confusion, pain, and ambiguity are the same. Boundaries prevent many such problems, and play a vital role in a marriage in the following ways:
- Give you freedom: Having freedom in marriage allows you to love and respect each other. Marriage doesn’t give you the license to restrict your spouse’s freedom. Your spouse should be allowed to pursue his/her interests instead of being bound by you. Give each other that space to pursue interests and activities. Restriction and control only breed contempt. Before you announce your partner’s limits, set an example by coming up with boundaries for yourself.
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- Protection: Having boundaries in place helps you know when to tolerate and when to accept. For instance, if your spouse abuses you or hurts you emotionally, you have to protect yourself and stand up for yourself for the sake of emotional safety instead of tolerating.
- Responsibility: Taking responsibility makes it clear about who is in charge of what. It leaves no room for ambiguities. Along with responsibility, shared values and mutual support in marriage covers a whole gamut of things such as behavior, choices, attitude, values, and more. If something requires improvement, then you have the power to change it, without affecting your partner.
Limits are required in every relationship we have. So, what are the specific boundaries you need in a marriage?
Boundaries Every Marriage Needs
Some boundaries are there for people to see, some need to be felt. Some come into force automatically, without any discussion, while for some you need to discuss, compromise, and decide. Let’s see the emotional and physical limits that a marriage should have:
Emotional boundaries in a marriage
- Love: Love is the very foundation of marriage. Remember your wedding vows, “to love your spouse in sickness and health and in good and bad times.” And when you said “I Do”, you need to do that earnestly. Love your spouse at all times, even during the tough times and even when your spouse is not behaving the way you want them to. That shows your unconditional love for him/her. However, it doesn’t mean you have to tolerate your spouse’s bad behavior. You need to know where to draw the line.
- Honesty: Honesty helps sustain mutual trust and respect in the relationship. Dishonesty can lead to a host of negative emotions such as insecurity, jealousy, mistrust, and disrespect.
- Faithfulness: The boundary of faithfulness and loyalty protects the marriage from external influences, reassuring the wife and husband about each other’s love.
- Self-control: The key to a healthy relationship is to control your emotions and reactions to situations. The solution lies in self-control rather than controlling your spouse. For example, if your spouse is rude to you, you can tell him/her, “If you continue arguing with me, I’ll stop this discussion and leave”. This action helps you control the situation from going worse.
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Physical boundaries in a marriage
- Communicate: Mere communication about day-to-day things is not enough. You need to have a heart-to-heart talk about your clear expectations and share quality time as it makes your relationship special. Sometimes, we tend to assume things instead of asking, so avoid that and make it a point to ask questions and express your concerns.
Tori and Chad Masters, a married couple who run a joint YouTube channel, speak in depth about boundaries in marriage. In one of their videos, the couple says, “When it comes to us disagreeing or having an argument or a fight, I’m the type to raise my voice and tori set a boundary to express that’s not okay and she’s not gonna put up with that.
“You can’t expect what you don’t communicate and so if I never told him ‘hey when you raise your voice, that’s just not gonna fly. We’re gonna have to separate, cool off, and then we can talk calmly,’ then we would have continued communicating in a way that was not healthy for me emotionally (i).”
Point to consider- No physical abuse: This boundary cannot be crossed at any cost. Physical abuse such as hitting, pushing, or slapping each other can never be done or tolerated.
- Don’t envy your spouse: Envy proves to be a disaster in your relationship. If you are dissatisfied with yourself, you will lack the ability to change things in your relationship. When you are jealous of your spouse’s growth, social skills, appearance or anything else, it means you are feeling insecure in the relationship. Insecurity will force you to break all the barriers in marriage.
- Evaluate situations: You need to know where to draw the line by evaluating the situation. Sometimes, setting boundaries in a marriage might hurt your partner but that doesn’t mean that it is bad for your relationship. For example, you might ask your spouse to share the responsibility of paying the household bills, as you want to make some investments. So, be firm with it as you are securing the future with those investments.
- Do not be rude or yell: It’s quite likely for couples to argue and disagree sometimes. But, the key is to agree to disagree or talk through it with a calm and composed mind. No matter how tough things get, never speak rudely or pass bad remarks.
- Be open: Be open with your partner, and talk to them about your friends, especially those of the opposite gender to avoid any suspicions. Make sure that there are no secrets between you. Most importantly, do not do something, which you will be forced to hide from your spouse. Maintaining secrets about friends, emails, money, calls, trips, etc., is definitely a big no.
- Have positive conversations: Stop complaining about your spouse to your family members or friends. If there is an issue, then you need to discuss it with your partner and solve the problem between yourselves. Also, do not let others speak badly about your spouse. If they do, stop them immediately or walk away. Your spouse will feel truly loved when you show that you stand by him/her no matter what.
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- Change yourself: It would be unwise to think that you can change people the way you want. We have the power to mold ourselves to create an ideal and loving situation for each other. In a marriage, change works in both ways — you give some and take some. You can’t assume that things would go according to your choice. The other person should also have a say.
- Resistance to deviations: Boundaries are not just for you and your spouse alone. They are also between you and the world out there. These limits with the outside world help you prevent extramarital affairs and infidelity. If you find yourself tending towards someone, have an honest and open discussion with your partner. Your spouse will be proud of your honesty and faithfulness, making the bond between you stronger.
- Forgive: To forgive your spouse can be challenging. But, it is necessary to strengthen your marriage. Even in times of conflict, you need to be humble enough to forgive and let go for a healthy conflict resolution. But be firm if the mistake is repeated.
- Say ‘no’ sometimes: Certain situations in your life require you to say ‘no’ even if it hurts your partner. If your spouse wants you to do something illegal or hurtful, you have no option but to say ‘no’. If you hesitate to say ‘no’ at the right time, it would ruin not only your marriage but also your lives.
Sexual boundaries in a marriage
- Mutual consent: Lovemaking should be freely given but never demanded. Both partners should feel free to express their desires and boundaries without feeling pressured.
- Respecting differences: It is natural to have varied lovemaking preferences. Each person has unique comfort levels and boundaries. It’s essential to respect and acknowledge these differences.
- Honest communication: Open and honest communication is the foundation of a healthy sexual relationship. Discuss desires, preferences, and boundaries openly and without judgment.
- Privacy: Respect your partner’s privacy and keep intimate details between the two of you. Discuss the level of discretion you both expect in terms of sharing information about your close relationship with others.
- Frequency and safety: Sexual frequency can vary among couples. Discuss and find a balance that satisfies both partners. Be understanding and considerate of each other’s needs, and prioritize sexual health by discussing and agreeing on safe lovemaking practices.
Boundaries are more about you than your partner. You need to know where and why to draw a line, so that you don’t have to spend too much energy in following the rules.
Setting Boundaries For Yourself
Before you announce your partner’s limits, set an example by coming up with boundaries for yourself. This will encourage your spouse to follow suit. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set boundaries in a marriage:
- Identify your feelings and accept them: The first step in building boundaries is to know and understand your feelings. You may get caught in your spouse’s emotions and feelings, and tend to overlook yours. Recognize and understand what is making you feel bad or depleted in the marriage. Take the time out and introspect.
- Analyze if boundaries have been broken: Once you know your feelings, understand what is making you feel that way. For example, your spouse is coming home late regularly, criticizing you repeatedly, or you are yelling at your partner, annoyed at him/ her that they are not doing things your way, and so on.
- Determine how to set your boundary: Once you know the cause(s) for your hard feelings, setting boundaries becomes easy. For example, if your spouse is coming home late every day, you can tell them, “I am not going to wait for you, the food will be in the refrigerator, and you can heat and eat it”. If they are always criticizing you, you can simply walk away and ignore them.
And if you feel you are yelling at your spouse for everything, then set a boundary that you will not shout, but wait until your anger subsides. If you are annoyed because your partner is not doing things your way, then set a boundary that you will not be bothered about it unless it is harmful to your partner/ you or your relationship.
- Communicate your boundary: Convey your boundaries to your spouse. There would be a certain amount of resistance and conflict, but explain the things in detail so that your spouse will see reason in your decision.
- Stick to your boundaries: After you define the boundaries, you need to stick to them to make the boundaries work. Don’t leave any margin for the other person to overstep boundaries. If you are deviating the limits, then take a break, relax, meditate, or do whatever you can to put yourself back on track.
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Boundaries act like lifeboats during the uncertain tides of marriage. Nevertheless, there are many misconceptions surrounding them. Let’s see what they are.
Misconceptions About Boundaries
Boundaries in relationships are often misunderstood and misread. Here are a few common misconceptions:
- People who set boundaries are labeled as selfish and rigid.
- People setting boundaries are perceived as controllers who try to restrict their partners’ freedom.
- Boundaries dictate your spouse what to do and not to do.
- The boundary of self-protection is perceived as a punishment for the other. For example, when the husband spends extravagantly in spite of being told several times, then the wife chooses to have a separate bank account. Choosing to have a bank account is not an act of punishment for the husband.
In any relationship, you cannot expect the other person to behave the way you want them to. You can only request for a change in their behavior. Setting healthy boundaries can help fix a broken relationship, as it helps prevent misunderstandings and fosters mutual respect. Therefore, you need to explain to your spouse about the need to have boundaries to avoid any conflicts.
In the context of learning to communicate the right way, writer Laura Doyle, specializing in relationship issues and York Times bestselling author, shares her personal experience. She says, “In the bad old days when I was setting a boundary, it came out of feeling angry (or if I’m more honest, I was actually hurt) and therefore, by the time I got around to speaking my truth, it came out laced with sarcasm, criticism and resentment.
“Therefore, to teach someone else how to treat me and still preserve the intimacy I value so much, I speak only for myself and avoid criticizing him. I say what I mean, but I don’t say what it mean. One way to do that in this example would be simply to say ‘Ouch!’ and nothing more. I’m honoring myself by admitting I’m hurt but not criticizing or blaming my husband (ii).”
Resolving Conflicts With A Resistant Spouse
You may have set some boundaries for yourself. But your spouse may not be eager to follow you, or they may not want to be bound by your boundaries as they feel restricted and trapped. Here are ways to deal with your spouse, if they are resisting the boundaries:
- Consult your partner before you decide on the boundaries.
- Give your spouse the freedom to say “no”.
- Admit if you are wrong.
- Respect your spouse’s space.
- Give them the time to come to terms with the boundaries.
- Refrain from withdrawing from your spouse, attacking, or making him/her feel guilty.
- Take feedback from your spouse when you cross boundaries.
Sticking to boundaries involves a lot of work. Hence, it can be challenging and unpleasant. However, understanding how to save a relationship often begins with setting and maintaining these boundaries. Let’s look at some examples of boundaries in marriage.
Examples Of Boundaries
Boundaries nurture and strengthen the marriage. Here are some examples of areas where you can set boundaries in your marriage:
1. Be articulate and expressive in your communication:
The tone and language in a relationship should be sweet and mellow. Be strict against your spouse who is loud or rude to you. Tell them that, “If you criticize me any further, I’m not willing to discuss anything with you.”
2. Be open and honest:
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Your co-worker is attracted to you, be open and honest and share it with your spouse. Before that, be straight with your colleague and tell them that you won’t get involved with them because you are committed to your partner. Do not hide the truth from your spouse.
3. Cause and effect:
If your spouse drinks everyday then you can say, “I love you, but I’m not ready to take care of you if you fall sick.”
You could keep a tab on your spouse’s overspending. For instance, “I’m sorry; I won’t be lending you my credit card until you pay the previous outstanding credit card bill.”
4. Emotional disconnect:
Emotional connection is important in a marriage. There could be times when the partners do not make any efforts to change their hurtful behavior and fail to re-establish the emotional connection.
For instance, when the wife is upset about something, the husband fails to notice this. He goes about his work as he finds no difference or change in his wife’s behavior. The wife obviously gets more upset. This could be avoided if both the partners could be understanding of each other to gauge each other’s emotions.
These examples illustrate how boundaries manifest in real-life scenarios. They can help you handle relationships better and create a safe space for open dialogue and mutual respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens when we don’t set boundaries in marriage?
When couples don’t give each other space or don’t set boundaries, they may have conflicts often, communication gets challenging, you may not find time to pursue your hobbies, or there is no me-time.
2. How do I set boundaries in a relationship without being controlling?
Trying to establish boundaries doesn’t make you controlling. If you show empathy, take charge of your actions and responsibilities, and communicate your thoughts respectfully, setting boundaries will be a breeze.
3. How can I communicate about my boundaries with my partner?
Start by scheduling a comfortable time to talk. Use “I” statements to express your feelings, avoid sounding accusatory, and try to understand your partner’s perspective.
4. Why do people leave when we set boundaries?
While some people may adjust to the change, others may not and begin blaming others. Boundaries make us secure and safeguard us from any threats. If someone does not respect our privacy and space, they may walk away or begin to separate themselves from you and the relationship.
Maintaining healthy boundaries in marriage helps maintain the love and balance in the relationship. When you are happy, you tend to think clearer and resolve the conflicts better. While some boundaries are naturally present in any relationship, a few more might be needed based on your and your partner’s needs. Sometimes, compromise in a relationship is also essential, as it allows both partners to meet each other’s needs while respecting boundaries. These are some emotional and physical boundaries every relationship might need at some time. Try to implement them in your relationship whenever necessary. Discuss with your partner in advance to maintain healthy boundaries without many conflicts.
Infographic: Boundaries Every Marriage Needs
Every relationship needs to have some dos and don’ts. Otherwise, both or either of the partners will end up hurting and falling out of love. And marriage is one of the most important relationships that must have boundaries. Learn how to love unconditionally without losing yourself through these tips below. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- To make their marriage work, couples must provide each other with sufficient time and space.
- Taking responsibility for your actions and reducing the likelihood of conflicts are benefits of establishing boundaries.
- Emotional and physical boundaries are common ones that should be set in a marriage.
- It is crucial to establish personal boundaries within the marriage.
Illustration: Must-Have Healthy Boundaries In Marriage
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Discover effective techniques for establishing healthy boundaries with your spouse in this insightful video. Learn practical tips to foster open communication and maintain a harmonious relationship.
Personal Experience: Sources
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Boundaries you will need in marriage │Girl/guy friends, intimacy, in-laws, conflict;https://youtu.be/W2T9OAPpwVM?feature=shared
ii. Healthy boundaries in relationships;
https://lauradoyle.org/blog/healthy-boundaries-in-relationships/
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