My boundaries serve as a shield against emotional manipulation
The affirmation "My boundaries serve as a shield against emotional manipulation" can help you protect yourself from being taken advantage of by others. Boundaries are essential for maintaining healthy relationships, and they can help you avoid being manipulated or controlled by others.
When you set boundaries, you are essentially creating a line that others cannot cross without your permission. This can include things like saying no to requests that make you uncomfortable, setting limits on how much time you spend with certain people, or simply speaking up when someone is treating you unfairly.
By setting these boundaries, you are sending a clear message to others that you value yourself and your own needs. This can help you avoid being manipulated by others who may try to take advantage of your kindness or generosity.
Emotional manipulation can take many forms, from guilt-tripping and gaslighting to passive-aggressive behavior and outright bullying. When you have strong boundaries in place, you are less likely to fall victim to these tactics.
For example, if someone tries to guilt-trip you into doing something you don't want to do, you can simply say no and stick to your boundaries. If someone is trying to control you through passive-aggressive behavior, you can call them out on it and let them know that it's not acceptable.
Of course, setting boundaries can be difficult, especially if you're used to putting others' needs before your own. It can be hard to say no to someone you care about, or to stand up for yourself when you're used to being a people-pleaser.
But remember, your boundaries are there to protect you. They are not selfish or unreasonable, and you have every right to set them. By doing so, you are taking control of your own life and ensuring that you are treated with the respect and dignity you deserve.