Mentor lesson - Boundaries in friendships & relationships

• Nederlands
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 1

Welcome! 

Boundaries

• Today's topic is all about boundaries in friendships and relationships. 
• By the end of this lesson, you will have a better understanding on what boundaries are. 
• Next to that,  we hope you'll get to think about your own boundaries, and those of your friends.

How would you define a boundary?

Why boundaries are important

• Creating a healthy sense of identity and self-awareness
• Respecting boundaries leads to more healthy relationships overall. 

Setting boundaries can sound a bit vague. How would you set a boundary for yourself?

Verbal & non-verbal cues

• Crossing a boundary can lead to different reactions:

1. Verbal: telling, yelling, texting, gossiping
2. Non-verbal: ignoring, walking away, being grumpy, pushing, crying

Can you think of more verbal or non-verbal cues?

Respecting boundaries

• Setting boundaries is important, but respecting boundaries is just as (or even more) important!
• But... how do you know that you are (about to) cross a boundary of someone else? 
• What tips are useful when thinking about respecting boundaries? (think of the video)

Sharing our stories

Did you ever experience a boundary crossing situation?  Or did you ever hear about a situation that comes to mind right now?

Exercise: analyzing different scenarios

1. Divide your paper into 3 sections, 1 for each scenario.

2. Determine the following (write answers on poster): 

• How are the 2-people feeling?

• What verbal/non-verbal cues could be given to set boundaries in the scenario? 

• What verbal/ non-verbal cues could be given to respect the boundary that is set?

3. For scenario 3, you and your group will try to provide advice to your friend. Write down

your answers.

To take home

Sometimes boundaries are hard to identify. If that is the case, remember that it is ok to ask and clarify. All of you deserve to be safe and comfortable in a relationship.