Guardrailing: Definition, Benefits, and Application!
There are many relationship trends emerging in romantic relationships. One of them is guardrailing. What is it? Simply put, guardrailing involves setting boundaries in a relationship. Sometimes, this is necessary, especially if you want to maintain both your and your partner's mental health.
There's more to know about guardrailing. Hence, you can explore the complete discussion below. Let's dive in!
What is guardrailing?
Establishing boundaries at the beginning of a relationship is crucial. Without it, you might end up wasting time, money, energy, and feeling hurt. This is known as guardrailing, a trend in 2023. Guardrailing involves setting boundaries in romantic relationships.
Especially in today's rapidly changing social environment, guardrailing is a way to protect oneself and maintain emotional safety. This includes setting boundaries in terms of commitment, physical relationships, and emotional involvement. This ensures that no individual sacrifices their needs for the relationship or someone else.
Guardrailing helps individuals avoid falling too quickly or deeply into a relationship that might not be healthy or align with their goals. Having boundaries reduces disappointment and heartache.
"Guardrailing is about setting boundaries and protecting our energy. People not only want work-life balance for themselves but also for their partners," said Lucille McCart, a communication director at the dating app Bumble, as quoted from News.com.au.
"This involves being clearer about our emotional needs and boundaries, being wiser in how we present ourselves out there, and not overdoing things socially," Lucille continued.
Benefits of guardrailing
Guardrailing can help build trust, enhance intimacy, and maintain a healthy relationship. Moreover, relationships can grow freely while ensuring there's no misunderstanding or conflict. That's why it's crucial to set clear boundaries at the beginning of a relationship.
Quoting from the Indian Express, clinical psychologist Shinjini Deb explained that implementing guardrailing can have positive effects. With boundaries, it ensures that no one in the relationship sacrifices their needs. It's a healthy boundary, clear guidelines, and a strategy that helps maintain a balanced and satisfying relationship.
"It not only helps partners deal with issues together but also fosters a stronger bond," she explained.
There are several things you might need to discuss with your partner regarding guardrailing. Some of these discussions could include:
- Setting clear rules about the relationship and its boundaries.
- Deciding on topics that are off-limits.
- Sharing responsibilities.
- Clarifying personal expectations.
- Respecting each other's viewpoints.
- Creating space for oneself.
All the above are healthy ways to set boundaries. Doing so can help maintain a protective relationship and limit unnecessary conflicts.
"In the end, it's all in your hands, how you want to treat yourself or the relationship with someone you love," advised Shinjini Deb.
Tips for applying guardrailing
Having guardrailing is essential to unite security and trust. Additionally, it builds awareness and understanding of what is expected in a relationship. However, applying it is not easy. Therefore, you can start with small things like the following:
- It's important to confidently say 'no' while maintaining respect.
- Take time and rest for yourself without feeling guilty about it.
- Do something for yourself and don't care whether it looks good to others or not.
- Know your limits and how much you can give.
- Stop giving your time and energy to those who don't appreciate you.
- Avoid following someone else's decisions just because you're unsure about your own.
- Clarify rules and boundaries before investing deeper into the relationship.
That was a comprehensive discussion on guardrailing. It's crucial to implement this from the beginning as it can help avoid conflict and disappointment.