Practical resource
Prepare a conversation about your boundary
Use these prompts for an ordinary, safe conversation. They are a preparation aid, not a validated assessment or a guarantee of another person’s response.
1. Describe the request
What is the other person asking? Keep facts and assumptions separate.
Your notes:
2. Check your capacity
What time, energy or space do you have? What is already agreed?
Your notes:
3. Choose your boundary
What can you do, and what can you not commit to?
Your notes:
4. Prepare one sentence
Describe your choice concretely. Only offer an alternative if it is realistic.
Your notes:
5. Plan for a reaction
What will you repeat if the person insists? Is advice or support needed?
Your notes:
6. Agree the next step
Who does what, when will you respond, and what will you review afterwards?
Your notes:
If there is coercion, intimidation or danger, support and safety take priority over practising the conversation.
For background on assertive communication, see NHS Avon Partnership Occupational Health Service. These prompts were written by Grenzen & Groei.
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