Where to Draw the Line: How to Set Healthy Boundaries Every Day (Paperback)

by Anne Katherine (Author) "Pause a moment..." (more)
Key Phrases: boundary error, defended state, boundary violation, Aunt Mabel, The Lord, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
The premise here is that people all have many demands on their time and that by setting boundaries they may protect their time and energy for the things that matter most. Being in complete agreement with this idea, the first thing this reviewer should say is that she doesn't have the time to read a whole book about setting boundaries. Although important, this topic could have been adequately covered as a couple of chapters in a larger book on life management. Mental health counselor Katherine (Boundaries) discusses setting boundaries with friends, relatives, lovers, and exes. Other reasonable topics include anger, intimacy, sex, and divorce. Among the more frivolous chapters are those covering tidiness, food, Internet, and therapist boundaries. The author does give helpful examples of each type of boundary, with advice on where to draw the line. The topics seem so specialized, though, that audience appeal is limited. Purchase is warranted only for extensive self-help collections.AKathy Ingels Helmond, Indianapolis-Marion Cty. P.L.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

In the perennial favorite Boundaries, Anne Katherine introduced the concept and importance of personal limits. In Where to Draw the Line, she takes the next step with a practical guide to establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries in a wide range of situations.

With every encounter, we either demonstrate that we'll protect what we value or that we'll give ourselves away. Healthy boundaries preserve our integrity. Unlike defenses, which isolate us from our true selves and from those we love, boundaries filter out harm.

This book provides the tools and insights needed to create boundaries so that we can allow time and energy for the things that matter -- and helps break down limiting defenses that stunt personal growth. Focusing on every facet of daily life -- from friendships and sexual relationships to dress and appearance to money, food, and psychotherapy -- Katherine presents case studies highlighting the ways in which individuals violate their own boundaries or let other people breach them. Using real-life examples, from self-sacrificing mothers to obsessive neat freaks, she offers specific advice on making choices that balance one's own needs with the needs of others.

Boundaries are the unseen structures that support healthy, productive lives. Where to Draw the Line shows readers how to strengthen them and hold them in place every day.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Fireside; 1 edition (August 18, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684868067
• ISBN-13: 978-0684868066
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #12,870 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on boundaries and codependence!, November 2, 2003

By A Customer

When my counselor recommended me to read this book, I had no clue what I was in for. This book opened my eyes to all of the unhealthy patterns we have in our relationships and where they come from. It has literally changed my life. Thanks to this book, I am more in touch with myself and have more fulfilling relationships with others in which we truly care about one another. If you'd like to learn about yourself and are really ready for some positive change (it will be painful at first but it is definitely worth it), try this book. The other book I highly recommend on this topic is "The Ever-Transcending Spirit" by Toru Sato. Sato has an unbelievable ability to show us how complex things like internal conflict and relationships work in the simplest ways. Good luck on your transformation!

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's good to see the other side, August 9, 2001

By	Lisa N. Stansbury "leana1970" (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a wonderful book. I have read Boundaries, where you end and I began before, so I had insight into the style of writing this book would be presented it.

Where to Draw the Line gives clear, concise examples of boundary violations, as well as offering suggestions on how to work out problems and disagreements.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Plain language, February 8, 2003

By	Linda S Gunning (Bremerton, Wa. United States) - See all my reviews

This is a quick but impressive read. It identifies everyday situations which can be uncomfortable and invasive. More importantly it explains why it is invasive in plain language. It provides scenarios and small quizzes providing for new learning.