The sad truth is that I cannot always be there for my friends and families 100% of their time. It is true that I am one phone call away or simply right next door, but I may not always be available. I might just be napping, at work, in meetings, or away from my phone. Other times, I am just not physically, mentally, and emotionally available.

I have been trying to learn how to set boundaries and how to state those boundaries to others. “You can call me at anytime but I may not always pick up. But when I am free, I will call you back.” To set boundaries does not mean that I am less of a friend, sister, or person. It also does not mean that I am less present for people. To set boundaries is to preserve myself so that I am available for a longer duration of time.

What boundaries do you need to set? How do boundaries shape or reshape relationships?