Relationships are full of wonderful experiences. You get to spend time with someone you really care about and make memories that could last a lifetime. Overall, nothing beats the feeling of being loved. But, every relationship needs boundaries. Relationship boundaries set the foundation for the relationship. It allows your partner to know what is acceptable and unacceptable in your relationship. It’s important to set these early on so that the foundation of the relationship is solid and both of you are aware of what to expect in the relationship. That being said, it’s also important to know what boundaries to set.
Expectations:
One boundary you need to set immediately is expectations. This is an excellent time to tell your partner about what you expect from them. Expectations may sound a little scary, so you can think of them as wants and needs, instead. You want your partner to know what you want and need in a relationship. Knowing this early sets the standard for the relationship. You want to be treated with love and respect. It will let your partner know what acceptable behavior is and what isn’t. Additionally, it’s a great chance for you to know what your partner expects too. Knowing that both of your expectations align and that you’re capable of meeting each other’s expectations will set you both on the right track to making this a relationship that lasts.
Goals:
Where do you see yourself in a year? How about five years? What about your partner? Talk to each other about your goals so you know you can see a future with them. If you both have an entirely different plan for your future, it’s something you will want to discuss to determine if it isn’t going to make or break your relationship.
Financial Boundaries:
Money can be a toxic problem in any relationship. Make sure to talk about money with your partner. Talk about whether you will have separate or joint bank accounts, how rent or payments will be split or paid for, how much money to save, who is responsible for buying what, and so on. There are a lot of things that money becomes involved in. Don’t let your partner take advantage of you financially. In that same light, don’t expect your partner to pay for everything either. Discuss your financials so it doesn’t create a problem in your relationship.
Emotional Boundaries:
Emotional boundaries are similar to expectations, but perhaps a little more personal. Some examples of emotional boundaries are how you express your emotions, needing time to process your feelings, taking responsibility, admitting when you’re wrong, etc. Your partner and you should discuss what are appropriate ways to handle issues within the relationship and how to properly communicate with each other through good or bad situations.