How to recognize when you need to set a boundary
Physical signs of your body telling you "no":
Bile in your throat
Panic
freeze response aka frozen or paralyzed w fear
Heart paced real fast
Anxiety
Unsettled stomach/gut feeling
Head fuzzy
Head & chest feels tight
Face might scrunch up in disgust/disbelief/pain etc
"ick" or "ew"
fainting or feeling weak as a result
crying
feeling like hurting yourself
cheeks hot, face flushed (embarrassment out of fear or humiliation)
fight/flight/freeze/fawn response gets triggered
body feels "charged" or "activated"
wanting to yell or shout back
wanting to run away
wanting to hide
wanting to stuff yourself with food/substances/alcohol etc to numb the pain
heart feels heavy or pounds at awkward intervals
not being able to eat
head shakes "no"
backing away
asking or screaming for help
feeling scared
feeling "on alert"
not knowing what to say
arms protecting yourself
not being able to move
Emotional signs that you are not safe:
Unsettling environment
Fawning aka "going with what they want" even if you don't feel good about it
Uncomfortable
Knowing the other person doesn't like it when you express things different from their own beliefs
Knowing if you spoke up you would be either mocked or downplayed or told you're being too sensitive
Being told you're "disrespectful" or "not allowed" to talk back or disagree in any way
Being told you're too chicken or being forced to feel dumb or stupid if you don't join in
Being openly mocked or talked about by the whole group
Expressing a concern and they get mad at you for being mad at them
You're always the one in the wrong even when you were the one being hurt
They use grandiose words and phrases to assert dominance
"walking on eggshells"
They continue to do the things you asked them to stop doing even after countless times asking them
They don't care about how you feel
They make no effort to acknowledge your feelings or acknowledge how their behavior is affecting you
They force you to participate in drugs/alcohol
They hold their power and good deeds they have done for you over your head and threaten to stop helping or support you or even take back what they have given you
They are physically aggressive/ violent
Rage
Rage during substance use
Touching you without asking
Downplaying anything you need as not important
What to do:
Take a deep breath
Take your time figuring it out
Remind yourself this isn't your fault
Stay focused on the behavior- because they WILL try to detract from it & turn it around on you
Gather your resources
Consider leaving or cutting contact
Consider therapy or online support groups to help yourself breathe and find safer spaces for yourself
Have an exit plan
Do not engage with the arguments & emotional bait
Cultivate your privacy
Cultivate your security
Cultivate yourself a safe space
Prepare yourself for the backlash
Ask someone safe to go with you
Call someone safe and ask them to stay on the phone with you if you do not feel safe
Self defense tools like pepper spray & brass knuckles
Know you're worth the exit
Take yourself seriously when they dont
Honor the gut feelings
Restore faith in your judgement
Honor your voice
Honor your body
Honor your "no"
Ask for a pause- "I need a break."
Ask for clarity- "Can you clarify that?"
Ask what their intentions are- "Are you being helpful or hurtful?"
Bring attention to the behavior and how it's making you feel- "I'm not comfortable with the way you're ignoring my concerns."
Make direct eye contact & deepen your voice- "You need to stop."
Do not apologize
🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
Hope this helps!
🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
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The orange peel theory
You saw this trend on TikTok, and now you must try it with your boyfriend. Would they pass the test?
General verses / sfw / ninja guys are late 20's
"Honey, I was wondering if you could help me peel this orange," you say before sitting next to him on the couch. His favorite show was about to start.
Leo looked at the orange, then at you, before taking it with a sweet smile. "Gladly."
This man never misses an opportunity to impress you.
Leo peeled a fragment with the sharp end of his katana, then removed it entirely with precise movements. He stole a few glances at you, wearing a flirty smile.
"Thank you, Leo."
He grins. "It's always an honor to help you."
"Babe, are you busy?"
Raphael turned, his eyes lighting up at the sight of you.
"I was just about to go on patrol. Why?"
"Would you mind helping me peel this orange?"
He tilted his head. You weren't one to ask for help with trivial stuff. Yet, Raphael shrugged, minding the way your eyes seemed to sparkle. It brought a smile to his face.
"Sure! Pass it over."
Raph peeled the orange, mindful not to bruise it as you admired the strength in his hands and his clumsy attempt at gentleness.
"Here you go."
It looked ridiculously tiny in his hand. You giggled. "Thanks, babe."
"Thanks?" Raph leaned over the wall, trapping you between his plastron and the bricks. "A kiss is the price to pay," he teased.
"Hey, love, I was wondering if you'd help me peel my orange?"
Donatello tuned to you, adjusting his glasses over his nose. "Of course, I'd be happy to assist," he gave you a sweet smile before cleaning up his hands.
"Would you like the orange peeled only, or do you want it sliced into wedges? I can put it on a plate— I think we have some little toothpicks around here; they'll help you eat it more comfortably," He said, moving through the place.
You weren't sure if he was talking to you or thinking out loud, but it mattered not. He definitely passed the vibe check. You were with the right man and couldn't be happier.
"Mikey baby, would you help me peel this?" you said, handing him the orange.
He was thrilled anytime you made him feel needed.
"Sure thing, angel. Watch and learn from the master of orange-peeling!" he said in an attempt to show off.
He's probably waving unexisting brows.
You sighed in that endearing way that only surfaced when he was around. Mikey eagerly peeled the orange and then bowed to present it to you.
"Thank you, mister."
"Anything for my baby!"
He'll be happy if you ask to eat it together.
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