How to Set Boundaries (You Won’t, but Read Anyway)

Boundaries are very fashionable right now. Everyone is setting them. Everyone is protecting their energy. And yet every single Saturday, someone still needs help with a sofa, and it’s always you.

The problem is that saying no feels rude now, and saying yes only feels bad later, which is future you’s problem. Future you has been cleaning up after present you for years. Future you has a bad back and a grudge.

Every yes you give away is a Saturday you won’t get back. You have a finite number. They know.

Below is the method most people use. It doesn’t work. It is, however, very popular, and misery loves a moving van.

1. STEP 1Read an article about setting boundaries.
2. STEP 2Feel empowered.
3. STEP 3Get asked to help someone move house on Saturday.
4. STEP 4Open your mouth to say no.
5. STEP 5Hear yourself say "Yeah, of course!"
6. STEP 6Carry a wardrobe down four flights of stairs.
7. STEP 7Get paid in one slice of pizza and the promise of "returning the favour."
8. STEP 8Read the article again. They move again next year.