Unreasonable Demands Should Be Refused

Sometimes, you encounter people who make unreasonable demands or requests. Even if it's a bit of a stretch to understand why they're making those requests, you might find yourself fulfilling them. Perhaps it's because you believe in the saying, 'Let bygones be bygones,' and genuinely want things to be amicable.

However, at some point, the fatigue from these unreasonable demands starts to build up. It's like a harsh consequence for prioritizing kindness to others over yourself. Ultimately, excessive stress can lead to sleep disturbances and even derail important projects.

-Can't you even do this much?

-It's not like you're the only one who's busy.

There are also people who disregard boundaries and steal your time and energy by saying things like this. Whether a 'request' is unreasonable or not is determined not by the person making the request, but by the person receiving it. This applies when making requests as well. What might not seem unreasonable to you could be a burden for the other person.

I often encounter impolite individuals who make excessive requests that interfere with my writing... This experience has made me realize, once again, the importance of establishing clear boundaries to protect myself. In a way, I want to commend this for its novelty in reminding me of this crucial aspect.

▶ Building self-esteem through boundaries allows you to clearly understand who you are and enables you to escape situations where others exploit or mistreat you without hesitation.

▶ Flexible boundaries are like doors that can be opened and closed. However, you are the gatekeeper.

▶ Lying isn't always necessarily wrong.

▶ In the following situations, it's often better to act first.

1) When dealing with someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol

2) When someone is wielding a dangerous weapon

3) When encountering someone behaving irrationally, dangerously, and erratically

4) When dealing with someone who repeatedly violates boundaries that you've already verbally established

5) When explaining your boundaries verbally could lead to conflict or even result in you being blamed

-Sharon Martin, "That's Crossing the Line"