Setting boundaries can be hard. Sometimes we’re worried that we’ll come across as mean, we’ll be misunderstood, or we’ll feel guilty when saying no.

In these moments, we have to remind ourselves that boundaries are essential! They protect our emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Boundaries clarify what we’re comfortable with and what we’re not—helping others understand how to treat us with respect. Without them, resentment, burnout, or feelings of being taken advantage of can build up and be harmful to ourselves and our relationships.

Here’s some scripts to help us practice honoring our limits while keeping a boundary bold but kind.

With practice, confidence grows, and guilt fades.