Dear Sir/Madam,
I hope my answer proves useful to you.
Indeed, your awareness is commendable, as you are considering what interpersonal boundaries are most suitable for you. Any effective relationship allows for a balance between proximity and distance, with the appropriate boundaries in place.
Furthermore, it is important to be able to distinguish between close and distant relationships in the context of business. Given the limited amount of energy available to us, it is not feasible to maintain close relationships with everyone. We will feel more comfortable when we can place everyone we meet in the appropriate position within our professional network.
I would like to offer you the following advice:
1. Effective relationships are contingent upon the establishment of appropriate boundaries.
Boundaries are akin to limits or edges that delineate a specific area. Effective boundaries are adaptable and can evolve. They also encompass two fundamental tendencies: "approach" and "withdraw." From a psychological standpoint, boundaries signify the recognition of one's individuality and that of others. We can identify ourselves as subjects and also perceive others as distinct entities.
In a relationship, it is essential to differentiate between one's own emotions and thoughts and those of the other person. This enables two individuals to establish a genuine and authentic connection.
If there is a lack of clarity regarding boundaries and if I am treated as part of you, then my love and hatred for you is actually for myself.
Boundaries are fundamental to relationships. They create the space between two people. The clearer the boundaries, the more freedom each partner has, and the more secure they feel. When you act in accordance with the established boundaries, your actions are more likely to be accepted, supported, and build a sense of trust.
It is also important to establish boundaries when socializing with friends. If you feel uncomfortable in a relationship and believe that the other person is becoming too intimate, it is essential to communicate this clearly, sincerely, and consistently. This is a form of self-protection. When others feel that you are becoming too intimate and that your actions have crossed their boundaries, it is vital to communicate effectively and respect their boundaries. Only by doing so can each of us be freer to be ourselves in a relationship, and such a relationship will also be comfortable for both parties.
2. It is important to clearly define your specific needs in each relationship and assess whether the other party is able to fulfill them. If the other person is unable to provide what you require, it may be necessary to identify a more suitable relationship or alternative solutions that align with your needs in a more reasonable manner.
A good relationship is one in which each person can provide the other with what the other needs. However, many interpersonal relationships have problems because we ask the other person for something that they are unable to provide, lack the ability to provide, or fail to communicate how they need to provide it.
In my clinical practice, I frequently encounter employees who seek to express their frustration with their supervisors. These individuals often feel that their contributions are not adequately recognized by their superiors, who tend to offer criticism rather than recognition. They believe that constant criticism is the most effective motivator for employees, but this approach often leads to frustration and anger when the employee feels unappreciated.
It is important to assess whether our needs in the relationship with our boss can be met. If our boss is not adept at treating employees with affirmation and encouragement, it may be challenging to receive the recognition we desire. This could lead to frustration. However, by letting go of this need and seeking it in other, more suitable relationships, we can find individuals who can recognize and support us. This allows us to truly satisfy our needs.
Regarding the relationship with our boss, we can adjust our expectations. While our boss may not be able to provide the recognition we seek, he will pay our salary and provide a platform for improving our work abilities. This allows us to satisfy our needs for financial and work improvement in the relationship with our boss.
It is important to recognize that each of us has limitations, but we can have many different relationships and many different friends. By identifying the specific needs that different relationship partners can provide for us, we can find the right people to meet our needs. For example, we can seek out friends who enjoy shopping, find someone who understands psychology to chat with, or find friends who love sports to exercise with. By having these different relationships, we can meet most of our needs. Having a strong support system and a sense of nourishment from our relationships is crucial for our overall well-being.
3. Our interpersonal network is extensive, and it requires effort to organize and determine the specific position of each individual within the network. This allows us to gain a clearer understanding of the strength of our relationships with different people.
In any given social setting, each of us has a vast network of interpersonal connections. However, our energy is finite, and it is impractical to maintain a close relationship with every individual in our network. It is therefore essential to categorize our relationships based on their importance, relative importance, and level of effort required to maintain them. This process allows us to strategically place each individual in our network, ensuring clarity and understanding in our relationships and preventing misplacement and potential issues.
As a mother, I previously found it challenging to accept that parents in my child's class, who lacked a psychological understanding, were consistently operating in a manner that contravened psychological principles when educating their children. I felt compelled to offer corrections to their thinking. However, I later recognized that my distress originated from within myself, stemming from my failure to fulfill my role effectively in the relationship. When I am able to align myself properly in this kind of relationship, I simply need to position myself as a parent, cooperate effectively with the school, and fulfill the responsibilities of a parent. It is not about viewing other parents and teachers, including children, through the lens of a counselor. I have since become considerably more relaxed and am becoming increasingly comfortable communicating with them.
Please refer to the above for your information.
Best regards,
Comments
I understand your concerns about balancing closeness and distance in friendships. It's all about finding that sweet spot where both you and your friends feel comfortable. Maybe start by communicating openly with them about how you feel; it can set a foundation of trust.
It sounds like you're really thoughtful about your relationships, which is a great quality to have. Sometimes just acknowledging these feelings can be half the battle. Perhaps try to take things one step at a time, letting the relationship naturally evolve without forcing it too close or too far.
Balancing friendship can indeed be tricky. Try setting boundaries that respect everyone's personal space while also making an effort to stay connected through regular checkins. This way, you maintain a healthy balance without overwhelming each other.
Your desire for meaningful connections shows how much you value your friendships. Consider sharing your thoughts with your friends directly. Honest conversations can prevent misunderstandings and build stronger bonds.
Feeling torn between wanting closeness and fearing intrusion is completely normal. Reflect on what level of closeness feels right for you and communicate this to your friends. They might appreciate your honesty and reciprocate with their own preferences.