Conversations from the Heart #78 - Boundaries vs. Abandonment: How to Prioritize Yourself Without Guilt
This week I talk to Steve, who is trying to balance his care for a friendship that has become emotionally draining, with his care for himself, and we explore questions many of us grapple with:
- How do we distinguish between setting boundaries and abandoning someone we care about?
- How do we honor our own well-being while remaining compassionate toward others?
You’ll hear Steve’s initial conversation about his struggle to let go of a friendship that isn’t meeting his emotional needs, followed by a powerful follow-up discussion two weeks later as he reflects on his journey.
Episode Highlights:
- 3:12 Steve’s Initial Question: Detaching from a friendship that has become emotionally unbalanced.
- 10:00 A script for disengaging from a friendship
- 12:00 Part 2 Intro
- 16:40 What is making it difficult to disengage?
- 21:10 The Role of Validation: How seeking external affirmation can lead to unhealthy dynamics.
- 29:03 Caring for the impact of our actions is not the same as feeling responsible for them.
- 30:31 Closing thoughts: Tools for Boundaries and Clarity: Strategies for balancing care for others with self-compassion.
- 37:20 Questions to ask yourself when wanting to disengage.
Key Takeaways:
- Setting boundaries is not about rejecting others; it’s about preserving your own emotional well-being.
- Guilt often arises from taking too much responsibility for others’ emotions—self-compassion is key.
- Fulfilling relationships are rooted in reciprocity and mutual respect; it’s okay to let go when that’s missing.
Resources Mentioned:
Blog: Boundaries vs. Abandonment: How to Prioritize Yourself Without Guilt
Boundaries Masterclass: A step-by-step guide to setting boundaries that both connect and protect.
Free Resources: Explore tools for self-compassion and emotional clarity at yvetteerasmus.com.
For ongoing practice and deeper learning, join my monthly membership program. You will find a safe space for live discussions and a supportive community of like-minded, open-hearted humans.
Stay updated on new episodes and resources by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts or visiting yvetteerasmus.com.
Here are more ways to connect with me: