I Feel Like my Friend is Taking Advantage of my Kindness and Overstepping Boundaries. how can i Address This Without Ruining our Friendship?

Dear friend, I understand how difficult and uncomfortable this situation must feel. It’s completely normal to worry about protecting a friendship while also needing to set healthy boundaries. Remember, true friendships thrive on mutual respect and understanding. Here’s a gentle approach: Start by acknowledging your friend’s positive qualities and express how much you value the friendship. Then, calmly share your feelings using ‘I’ statements, such as ‘I feel overwhelmed when…’ or ‘I would appreciate if…’ This helps avoid sounding accusatory. Set clear but kind boundaries, and be consistent in maintaining them. If your friend truly cares about you, they’ll understand and respect your needs. Remember, setting boundaries isn’t selfish – it’s an act of self-care that ultimately strengthens relationships. You’re not being a bad friend; you’re being a healthy one. Trust that your friendship can grow stronger through honest communication. You’ve got this!