The first time you set a boundary, it may feel like you’ve done something wrong — even when you haven’t. If you were raised to keep the peace, anticipate moods, or manage a parent’s emotions, choosing yourself can feel unnatural. Your body may react with guilt. Your thoughts may spiral: Was that too harsh? Am I being ungrateful? This is the old conditioning talking. Healthy family boundaries are not punishments. They are clarity. They sound simple — sometimes almost boring: “I’m not discussing that.” “That decision is mine.” “If this continues, I’m going to end the call.”