How to Handle People Who Overstep Your Boundaries

If you're always trying to make everyone happy, you might find yourself feeling burnt out and miserable. Why? Because it's impossible to please everyone all the time. Sure, you might go through a short period where everyone seems content, but eventually, someone will get upset.

And here’s the thing—it’s not always your fault. Some people look for reasons to be negative. Maybe you did or said something that unintentionally upset them, or maybe they didn’t have any reason.

What’s Important to remember is that people like this are often boundary-crossers. They’ll push your limits, hoping you'll keep the peace. But it’s important to stay strong. When you express your values and set boundaries, they may get louder or more persistent. Don’t let that intimidate you.

As President Abraham Lincoln said, “You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.”

So what do you do when someone is stepping all over your boundaries? First, don’t react right away. They want an emotional response. Instead, take a deep breath, remove yourself from the situation, and regain your emotional balance. If the person is a stranger, you don’t owe them any further interaction. But if it’s someone close to you, it’s essential to communicate clearly. Tell them you value their relationship, but this boundary is non-negotiable.

People who care about you will respect your boundaries. If they don’t, it is worth considering whether you need them in your life as much as you thought.