Summary: This “retro” episode was originally published as Episode 103.<br> <a href="http://therecoveryshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/345151832_dea736fac6_z.jpg"></a>Have you ever set an ultimatum? What did you do when it wasn’t honored? How do you deal with unacceptable behavior from your loved ones? Spencer and Maria talk about boundaries.<br> Last week, we read an email from a listener who asked these questions:<br> <br> * Do any of you out there have any personal experiences setting ultimatums with your addicts that were not respected, acknowledged or met with insult?<br> * How have you handled the negativity from your addict, and the anxiety and heartbreak of not knowing if the relationship will ever be restored?<br> * What has it looked like for you to practice loving detachment with an intimate partner through a separation or divorce?<br> * What is the next right thing to do once a boundary has been communicated?<br> <br> So we thought, “maybe it’s time to talk about boundaries again.” We actually had a couple of earlier shows around this topic. Our <a href="/1">very first episode</a> was a 20 minute discussion of boundaries, and then in <a href="/44">episode 44</a>, we talked about setting boundaries without controlling.<br> Some discussion/thought questions about boundaries:<br> <br> * What is a boundary?<br> * How does it differ from an ultimatum?<br> * How can I set a boundary that involves someone else’s behavior?<br> * What can I do when my boundaries are not respected?<br> * How do I feel when my boundaries are not respected by someone I love?<br> * How can loving detachment help me to maintain my boundaries?<br> * What if I don’t want to follow through with the consequences of my boundary having been violated?<br> * What happens (to me) if my boundaries turn out to be expectations?<br> * How does a boundary with my own behavior differ from a boundary with someone else’s behavior?<br> * How can I set up and follow through with consequences on a boundary with myself?<br> <br> During the show, we referred to several earlier episodes, including <a href="/59">relapse</a>, <a href="/57">face to face meetings</a>, <a href="/55">Tradition 1</a>, and <a href="/49">getting started in Al-Anon</a>.<br> Our topic for next week is judgement. How does having judgement differ from being judgemental? Can judgement be both a character asset and a character defect? How do you judge others? How do you think others judge you? Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email <a title="Send us mail" href="mailto:feedback@therecoveryshow.com">feedback@therecoveryshow.com</a> with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.<br> <br> Music from the show<br> Tracy Chapman – Give Me One Reason<br> <br> Ani DiFranco – Out of Range<br> <br> AM – Boundaries<br> <br> <br> <br>
