Boundary

A boundary is a personal rule or line that protects someone’s physical, emotional, mental, or sexual safety. Boundaries help communicate what is and is not OK with you, and what you need in order to feel respected and safe.

A boundary is not the same as a limit. Limits are often about specific acts or activities, such as “no needles” or “impact only over clothes.” Boundaries are broader and can include communication, consent, privacy, emotional safety, time, access to your body, and how people treat you.

Example: “My boundary is that I do not play with anyone who pressures me after I say no.”

Related Terms

• Hard Limits
• Soft Limits