Why Setting Boundaries Feels Hard (Especially for Women)

Many women struggle to set boundaries, not because they are weak, but because they were taught to be accommodating, understanding, and selfless. From an early age, prioritizing others is often praised, while expressing personal needs may be discouraged or overlooked.

Boundaries tend to feel especially difficult when you fear disappointing others, when you have been rewarded for being “easygoing,” when you worry that people will become upset, or when you were never given space to have needs of your own. In these situations, setting limits can bring up guilt, anxiety, or self doubt.

In reality, boundaries are not walls meant to push people away. They are a form of clarity. Boundaries communicate what you need in order to feel safe, respected, and emotionally whole within your relationships.

The goal of boundary setting is not rigidity or distance. It is creating a life and relationships that do not leave you feeling depleted. With support and practice, boundaries become less about saying “no” to others and more about saying “yes” to yourself and your well being.

Written by Sachelle Singleton, M.A., MFT-I, a Las Vegas–based therapist offering virtual counseling to women and teen girls throughout Nevada.