You Are Not Responsible For Other People’s Feelings (How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt)

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Apr 25, 2025

Ever felt guilty for setting boundaries? This discussion emphasizes prioritizing your own well-being over the weight of others' expectations. Discover how to let go of managing others' feelings and reclaim your emotional balance. Learn the importance of personal responsibility and the freedom that comes with respecting your limits. The conversation also highlights the power of being present and celebrating small wins as steps toward personal growth, urging you to focus on what truly matters to you.

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INSIGHT

Not Responsible For Others' Feelings

You are not responsible for other people's feelings, their emotions are their own to manage.
Carrying their emotional weight blocks your creativity, time, and intuition.

ANECDOTE

Perfect Words Can't Prevent Hurt

Jay Shetty shared how he tried to perfectly phrase texts to avoid upsetting anyone.
Despite his efforts, people were still hurt, underscoring that you can't control others' responses.

ADVICE

Empower Emotional Independence

Help loved ones develop emotional skills rather than trying to change their moods.
Avoid creating dependency on you for their happiness; empower them to choose their feelings.

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When was the last time you actually put yourself first, no matter what anyone else thought?

Have you ever felt a wave of guilt just for trying to set boundaries and protect your peace?

Today, Jay dives into a powerful idea: letting go of the responsibilities that were never really yours to begin with. So many of us carry the weight of other people’s expectations, emotions, and opinions — and it leaves us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and disconnected from ourselves. Jay unpacks how we often take on things like managing how others feel or trying to live up to impossible standards, and how doing that can block us from real freedom, creativity, and growth.

Throughout the episode, Jay reinforces the message that boundaries are not selfish but necessary for healthy relationships and self-respect. He reminds us that our worth isn’t something we have to earn by meeting expectations or chasing approval. When we stop trying to control things that aren’t really ours to manage, life feels lighter, more real, and full of possibility.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How to Stop Absorbing Other People’s Emotions

How to Let Go of Unrealistic Expectations

How to Support Others Without Fixing Their Problems

How to Maintain Your Own Emotional Balance

How to Prioritize Your Well-Being Over Pleasing Others

Remember, life becomes lighter when you let go of what was never yours to carry. No matter what challenges you face, trust that you are enough just as you are, and you have the strength to live authentically.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

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What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

00:47 Stop Carrying What’s Not Yours to Fix

02:34 #1: You’re Not Responsible for Other People’s Feelings

07:33 #2: You’re Not Responsible for How Other People See You

15:05 #3: You’re Not Responsible for Fixing Other People’s Problems

19:38 #4: You’re Not Responsible for Meeting Others’ Expectations

24:35 #5: You’re Not Responsible for How Other People Treat You

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