How do i set boundaries with family without feeling guilty?

[Brian_A]

I’ve been trying to get better at setting boundaries with my family, but I keep feeling guilty whenever I say no to something. It’s like I’m letting them down or being selfish, even though I know I need the space for my own mental health. Has anyone else dealt with this push and pull?

[AdamAM]

I used to feel that guilt pulse when I said no and it did not go away fast. I eased into it by picking one small boundary a week and sticking with it even if it felt wrong at first.

[Edward.T]

The push pull is real for me too I told myself I was protecting my own mind not letting everyone else's pace run me down.

[AddisonP]

Sometimes I feel like I am being selfish then I remember I am the one who has to live in my own skin.

[OliviaDC]

Is this really about fear of letting them down or is it about the need for space I am not sure?

[Mark47]

A memory drift you know I was in a grocery line and a sibling asked for a favor I bought the stuff for them out of habit and felt it later and decided not to help next time.

[AlexanderB]

I kept a tiny log of when I set limits and how I slept that night and it helped me see a pattern despite the tangled feelings