People generally have a hard time establishing boundaries and it’s usually because they grew up in an environment where their boundaries were never regarded or respected so establishing them later in life may feel like arrogance instead of assertiveness. So here are different ways you can state your boundaries in various settings. You can tweak these sentences to fit the situation you are in.

• I am not responsible for your actions, words, or emotions. You don’t get to pin that on me.
• I said no.
• I respect your input but I have already made up my mind on the issue.
• I understand your eagerness to contribute to the conversation however you will get your turn to speak when I’m done.
• Do not interrupt me or speak over me, I find it offensive.
• I would love to help however I cannot carry out this task for you.
• I understand that you are upset, angry, sad, or hurt but I do not appreciate your tone.
• I am comfortable with you speaking to me in that manner.
• I am done discussing this matter.
• I just need you to listen to me, you don’t need to start solving this issue now.
• I want you to understand that I don’t feel understood right now.
• Let’s pick up this conversation at a later time/date but that is all I have to say on the matter for now.
• I would like some space right now to process what I’m feeling.
• I understand that you would want to discuss this now but I need space to recollect myself alone.
• I would appreciate it if you could respect my opinions/ decision on this matter.
• I have made up my mind on this and that’s final.
• You don’t get to speak to me like that.
• If you don’t stop, I’m leaving.
• You are not listening to me right now.
• Trying to guilt trip me into doing this won’t work.
• I am uncomfortable
• Do not speak to me in that manner

Closing remarks

Sometimes you need to vocalise your boundaries and other times something as simple as leaving is fine too, whatever you are comfortable with because you’re establishing YOUR boundaries.

As a last resort, you can also walk out.