The Importance of Establishing Boundaries in Emotional Relationships
Narcissistic Abuse and Awareness with Randi Fine
This article written by John Stibbs came from the website Hidden Hurt, a UK site devoted to domestic abuse. With his kind permission I offer it to you.
A successful relationship is composed of two individuals each with a clearly defined sense of her or his own identity. Without our own understanding of self, of whom we are and what makes us unique, it is difficult to engage in the process of an ongoing relationship in a way that is functional and though not always smooth is a safe environment that generally enhances each of the partners.
We need a clear sense of self in order to clearly and unambiguously communicate our needs and desires to our partner. When we have a strong conception of our own identity, we do not feel threatened by the intimacy of the relationship and can appreciate and love those qualities in our partner that make him or her a unique person. When two people come together, each with a clear definition of her or his own individuality, the potential for intimacy and commitment can be astounding.
The similarities between two people may bring them together, but in an ideal partnership, sometimes called interdependent, their differences are respected and contribute to the growth of their relationship which aids in the growth of the individuals in that relationship.
One feature of a healthy sense of self is the way we understand and work with our emotional boundaries. Personal boundaries are the limits we set in relatio