No trespassing
September 2010
By Life Positive
Trespassers can be prosecuted, say readers
Whenever I feel a sense of unease in my relationships, I mull over it, try and figure out what is causing it and then articulate it to the other. There are also many non-verbal cues you can give to make someone recognize that you do not appreciate their behaviour. It’s not always easy to safeguard your boundaries in close relationships but the trick is to recognize that it is a process and keep working on it.
Anjali Mathur, Mumbai
I am gullible and for all I know, people do take advantage of me, but you know what, I don’t mind it. My father told us as kids that no one can take anything from us that is meant for us. So if someone takes something from me, then I believe he was supposed to get it.
Mithu Basu, Mumbai
Honest, frank communication is the best way to safeguard your boundaries. When I recognise that what I am confronting is a pattern in someone’s behaviour and not a one-off thing, then I make it a point to confront and clarify.
Hement Morparai, Mumbai
The very impression that someone is invading my boundaries and taking advantage of me is an indication of my insecurity, which is a byproduct of a swollen ego. First, I will introspect on the issue to highlight the fine line between ego and self pride. In case of the latter being affected, I will be brave enough to warn the other person that I am aware of the reality. If it is my ego problem causing the insecurity, then I have no choice but to change my attitude, be more positive and learn to live a life of abundance.
Chitra Vashisht, New Delhi
Being open to others’ opinions is very important for me. I listen to what they have to say about my habits, practises, etc, but then make up my own mind about how much of it is said for my own improvement, and also how much would be feasible to do. I enjoy being open to change, and find something very interesting awaits me each time I do. But I’m careful not to be pushed around to another’s whims and fancies.
Rohan S, Navi Mumbai