Boundaries, boundaries, boundaries...

We talk A LOT about having good boundaries - what does that mean? Merriam-Webster.com's definition is "something that indicates or fixes a limit or extent Those two trees mark the boundary of our property. the mountain range that forms the country's northern boundary".  

In our relationships, its often about how much of our inner life, our emotional selves, or even about what kind of information we share.  Sometimes, its also about how skilled we are at maintaining the boundaries we want to have and who is effective at pushing through those boundaries - sometimes that's a good thing, sometimes not so much.

If your boss is consistently asking you to do work after hours and it's cutting in to your personal time, is that ok?  Does that work for you?  Is it creating tension or difficulty? Do you have a hard time figuring out what to share with who? Maybe your boundaries are too permeable or unclear ... or are they "just right"

Do you have strict boundaries that sometimes create conflicts that are difficult for you to manage? Do you have a hard time letting anyone in? Are your boundaries too rigid? Or is it that once someone is past that outer boundary that's its too hard to set new ones?

Some of us have a hard time respecting other's personal space or even letting people in to our personal space.  I notice that I'll let animals and kids into my personal space with little or no hesitation but people... not so much. 

And, what about boundaries on social media? Do you choose who your "friends" or "followers" are? Do those choices drive what you share? Why you share it?  I know that I have pretty strict boundaries on social media.  My personal Facebook is only for people I truly know and I only post stuff that I would be OK with my Nana seeing.  I work hard to respect others boundaries -- I don't post or repost pictures of anyone's kids without their permission and I almost always ask before tagging someone.  My Instagram, Twitter, and Google plus accounts are to share what I do etc. professionally so there's nothing too personal that gets posted and I am thrilled to have anyone and everyone 'like" and "follow me".

How do you think about boundaries in your life? In the lives of your kids?