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The fine line between nice and doormat: setting boundaries
Reasonable boundaries are necessary in every relationship, whether it’s with our boss, family or neighbors. When we’re overly accommodating, we get frustrated, angry and resentful. Of course, no one wants to be a doormat, but how do we learn to say no once and for all?
Clinical psychologist Dr. Henry Cloud talks about the importance of setting boundaries and erasing the guilt and anxiety that comes with saying no. He explains the triggers behind our need to always be the nice guy: fear of conflict, hurt feelings, loss of love. Some of us simply want to feel needed—but often at the expense of leading our own best lives.
Dr. Cloud shares personal examples and great suggestions from his best-selling book, Boundaries, that can help us push back in all types of situations. He also discusses his latest book, The Law of Happiness, which studies the life habits of happy people (yes, setting boundaries is one of them). Believe it or not, happiness is more in our control than we think.
Dr. Henry Cloud, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and leadership consultant. He has written or co-written over 20 books, including the two million-seller Boundaries and his most recent book, The Law of Happiness. Dr. Cloud is the co-host of a nationally syndicated radio program called New Life Live and he has been featured and reviewed in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, the Boston Globe and more.
