Boundaries are Like Traffic Lanes

This post will use the traffic, road rule sign of a yellow or white line to showcase boundary settings in life.

Let’s begin.

The Purpose of the White Line on the Road

Generally speaking, for most countries, the white line is used to show:

• Lines of traffic
• Direction of flow for the traffic
• Show the centre of lanes
• Divide the road, into two lanes of opposing directions
• Mark the edge of the lane
• Keep drivers in their lane

Each type of white line, whether solid, broken or even yellow has a purpose. In this case we are talking about the solid white line. This line is found as the barrier or edge of the lane you are driving. On one side it tells you where your lane ends; the other side will often have a divided white line. That is if there is another lane you can enter. Otherwise, you’ll have two solid white lines keeping you in the middle.

The Do’s of the White Line

As you drive along the white line you can use it to give you a heads up. Take for example a bend in the road, the white line keeps going and is easy to spot. Perhaps you are driving at night, the white line almost glows with your headlights telling you where to go. The white line is like a silent GPS.

The Don’t of the White Line

You can not cross the white line. Except in case of an emergency. Otherwise, you can not cross the white line.

Think of the white line as police tape during a crime scene. Unless you are the officer called into that mess you cannot cross the tape. It is a boundary line that should not be crossed.

How the White Line Connects with Life?

The white line is a boundary line.

To have healthy relationships we must each create boundaries that keep ourselves safe, and alert others how to behave around us. The boundary line is the edge of the relationship. The warning line to not cross over. The ability to keep friendship, love, engagement, and commitments on the side it belongs.

Yes, there are circumstances, like emergencies which require the white line to be crossed. This will further require a discussion later and a new white line to be established. But those are not everyday situations.

Review the White Line: Avoid Stuckness

If you’ve found yourself stuck within a relationship, be it family, friendship or romantic, you first need to review if your boundary line has been crossed. If yes, now you’ll understand what needs to be addressed. Why did you permit the crossing over the boundary line?

Perhaps the boundary line wasn’t clear, and the other party understood the white line as a broken white line, which permits a change of lanes.

Learn to be clear and concise with your needs when bringing others into your life. Your boundaries are there to keep you safe, feel protected, and save your energy.

If you decide not to have a boundary line, you risk being stuck in situations, you risk exposure to trauma and abuse, and you risk becoming a doormat for others.

A boundary line is the first thing you set up to back yourself.

After time review the boundary line. Is it still relevant to that degree, with all those people? Does it need to change? Then update the people accordingly.

Be clear, like the white boundary line upon the road!