Worth Waiting 4 | Relationshiops & Boundaries

Relationships (and Boundaries)

In order to have successful relationship, it is important to have integrity. Integrity means
wholeness (honest and truthful behavior) and health.

When what you choose to think or believe doesn’t line up with what you say or what you do, you compromise your integrity. On the other hand, when what you choose to think, what you choose to say, and what you choose to do line up with your values, you are walking in integrity.

We, at WorthWaiting4, believe there are 5 major parts of a human being:

Mental (includes our creativity, thoughts and imagination)
Spiritual (includes the deepest part of who you are, including your values and beliefs)
Emotional (includes your ability to feel, to express and exchange feelings with others and to cope and enjoy life)
Physical (includes our bodies)
Social (includes relationships - how we get along with others)

What you choose to think, to speak and to do affect every part of who you are! If you are hurt in one of these areas, it will affect every other part of who you are, which damages your “wholeness” – your integrity.

Boundaries

Personal boundaries help protect and maintain personal integrity. There are two types of personal boundaries: internal and external. Internal boundaries protect your heart- the spiritual, emotional and mental parts of who you are. External boundaries protect you physically and socially.

DID YOU KNOW...tobacco, alcohol, drugs, sex, and violence are the 5 riskiest behaviors among teens? It’s these types of behaviors that try to invade your boundaries and can completely ruin your integrity. When faced with an opportunity to participate in risky behavior, ask yourself: Is this illegal? Is this immoral? Can it injure me? Can it injure others?

We know peer pressure is hard. Sometimes, even friends try to get you to do or say things that go against what you know is best.

Most likely, you have been faced with those types of situations or you will be at some point in your life. Therefore, it’s important to remember that you do have choices. Know your choices. Take responsibility for your actions--that partly requires looking at the benefits and consequences of your actions and taking a stand.

DECIDE: What your boundaries are ahead of time, and don’t let anyone mess with them.
DECLARE: Let people know what your boundaries are and when you feel like they are being invaded.
RESPECT: Value others, as well as yourself. Recognize and respect each other’s boundaries, and be willing to listen and ready to help.
STAND: Take a stand for what you believe. Don’t give in to negative peer pressure.

Maybe you are sitting there having thoughts like “I’ve already made bad choices. I’ve already lost good friends and ruined relationships.” Perhaps you’re thinking “I’ve even made some decisions that could affect my health like smoking, drinking, non-marital sex.”; “I can’t change now, what would my friends think?”…The idea that you can’t change simply is not true. We are creatures of change. Even if you find yourself in situations that are beyond your control, you can get help. Even if it hasn’t been your experience in the past, it can be. Every day is a new day…you can start over again. Commit to a new way of caring for yourself.