Set Boundaries, Find Peace Book Summary - Set Boundaries, Find Peace Book explained in key points
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Set Boundaries, Find Peace summary

A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself

4.6 (694 ratings)
28 mins

Brief summary

"Set Boundaries, Find Peace" by Nedra Glover Tawwab is a practical self-help guide to establishing healthy boundaries in order to improve relationships and mental wellbeing. Learn how to prioritize yourself and create more fulfilling connections with others.

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    Set Boundaries, Find Peace
    Summary of 8 key ideas

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    Key idea 1 of 8

    Healthy relationships need healthy boundaries.

    So, how do you know whether you need boundaries? What are the signs, exactly?

    Well, reflect on a few questions for a moment. Do you frequently feel stressed, overwhelmed, or burned out by the amount of work you have to do? Do you find that you struggle to say no to requests from friends, family, and co-workers? Do you ever find yourself avoiding certain people that you just feel uncomfortable being around?

    If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might have an issue with boundaries. That’s because, as diverse as these problems may seem, they actually all boil down to the same fundamental problem: you’ve allowed your needs to take second place to someone else's.

    Boundaries, then, are about standing up for yourself. Having healthy boundaries means being able to count on the people in your life to treat you in a manner that you’re comfortable with.

    The key message here is: Healthy relationships need healthy boundaries.

    When we think of boundaries, the ones that first come to mind are the physical boundaries of our bodies and personal space. You’ve probably experienced how uncomfortable it can be when someone gets too close to your face during a conversation, for example.

    But, physical boundaries are actually just one of six types of boundaries. For example, we also have sexual boundaries, which are about limiting inappropriate conversation topics, sexually charged jokes, and other behavior that we’re not willing to put up with.

    Then there are intellectual and emotional boundaries, which are about having our opinions and feelings respected by others even if they disagree with us. We also have material boundaries, which relate to how others use our possessions. And, finally, we have time boundaries which are about ensuring that others understand the value of our time. 

    Admittedly, many of these boundaries are coded into the culture, like personal space, so it shouldn't be necessary to state them. However, other boundaries are more individual, and these are the ones we need to communicate. For example, when meeting someone for the first time, you might have to let them know that you’re more of a hand-shaker than a hugger.

    Of course, setting boundaries isn’t always easy. We worry that we’ll be seen as stuffy, needy, or overly sensitive. We might even worry about harming the relationship by making things awkward.

    But, in the long run, not setting boundaries is counter-productive. If we allow others to continually step on our boundaries, the quality of our relationships will inevitably decline.

    So, yes, setting boundaries can be uncomfortable. But, in the end, short-term discomfort is a small price to pay for having functional, long-term relationships.

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    What is Set Boundaries, Find Peace about?

    Set Boundaries, Find Peace (2021) lays out everything you need to know about boundaries: what they are, why you need them, and how to implement them in your life right now. By breaking down the ins and outs of setting healthy boundaries, these blinks will leave you feeling confident and empowered to finally tackle those thorny conversations that you’ve been avoiding for so long.

    Set Boundaries, Find Peace Review

    Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab (2021) is a book that offers valuable insights on how to establish healthy boundaries in relationships and find inner peace. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With its practical advice and strategies, it empowers readers to set and maintain boundaries that lead to healthier connections and a greater sense of well-being.
    • By drawing from real-life examples and highlighting common challenges, the book provides relatable and actionable solutions for navigating difficult situations.
    • Tawwab's compassionate and empathetic approach makes the book engaging and relatable, ensuring that readers feel understood and supported throughout their boundary-setting journey.

    Best quote from Set Boundaries, Find Peace

    Boundaries are the gateway to healthy relationships.

    —Nedra Glover Tawwab
    example alt text

    Who should read Set Boundaries, Find Peace?

    • People-pleasers who don’t know how to say no
    • Couples that have trouble communicating
    • Anyone who finds setting boundaries especially difficult

    About the Author

    Nedra Glover Tawwab is a licensed therapist and relationship guru with over 12 years of experience helping people to resolve their relationship issues. She operates on the philosophy that the root cause of most relationship problems is unhealthy boundaries. Tawwab is also a highly influential Instagram therapist, who uses the platform to share therapeutic tools and host regular Q&As on boundaries and relationships.

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    Set Boundaries, Find Peace FAQs 

    What is the main message of Set Boundaries, Find Peace?

    Setting boundaries leads to finding inner peace and healthier relationships.

    How long does it take to read Set Boundaries, Find Peace?

    The reading time for Set Boundaries, Find Peace varies. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Set Boundaries, Find Peace a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Set Boundaries, Find Peace is worth reading. It offers valuable insights into setting boundaries for a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

    Who is the author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace?

    Nedra Glover Tawwab is the author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace.

    What to read after Set Boundaries, Find Peace?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Set Boundaries, Find Peace, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
    • The Book of Boundaries by Melissa Urban
    • How to Stay Sane by Philippa Perry
    • Radical Compassion by Tara Brach
    • Welcome Home by Najwa Zebian
    • How to Stop Breaking Your Own Heart by Meggan Roxanne
    • Mind Magic by James R. Doty
    • The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
    • What Happened to You? by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey
    • Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche