"When Are You Getting Married?" and Other Holiday Triggers

"When Are You Getting Married?" and Other Holiday Triggers

Ah, the holidays! The cozy lights, delicious food, and... the dreaded questions from family about your relationship status. Like clockwork, someone asks, "When are you getting married?" or, "Why are you still single?"

Cue the internal eye roll. But hey, it’s not just relationships where you need to set some serious boundaries—business needs them too! Whether it’s shutting down those nosy relatives or making it crystal clear with clients, boundaries are a must if you want to have it all!

Boundaries in Relationships: You Get What You Tolerate

Let’s start with the elephant in the room—or maybe it’s your Aunt Carol who just won’t quit asking you about babies. 

Setting boundaries in relationships is about knowing what you will and won’t tolerate. If you don’t speak up, people will keep crossing those lines, and you’ll be left feeling frustrated. Here’s the secret sauce: ask for what you want, and communicate clearly. Boundaries aren’t walls to keep people out; they’re doors that you control, so only the right energy comes in.

For example, the next time someone asks you about your love life over turkey dinner, you can confidently respond, “I appreciate your concern, but my relationship status isn’t up for discussion today. Let’s talk about something else.”

Boom. Boundaries!

Boundaries in Business: Make 'Em Non-Negotiable

The same principles apply in business. Whether you’re working with clients, running a team, or building your empire, knowing your boundaries is crucial. If you’re available 24/7, people will take advantage of that. If you allow clients to haggle on pricing, they’ll think it’s always negotiable. Spoiler alert: it’s not.

Clear communication about what’s acceptable and what isn’t makes you look like the boss you are. Here’s how to handle a situation with a client who keeps trying to book last-minute meetings:

"Hey, I’d love to support you, but I require at least 48-hours notice for all meetings. This allows me to give your project the time and attention it deserves."

Firm, kind, and non-negotiable. By doing this, you're showing that you value your time—and guess what? Others will start valuing it too.

Boundaries at Work During the Holidays: The Ultimate Test

Now let’s talk about the holiday season—a boundary-busting time of year, if there ever was one. You’re balancing family obligations, personal life, and work deadlines. How do you keep your sanity when the world is telling you to give, give, give?

1. Communicate your availability upfront. If you’re taking time off, let your clients know ahead of time and set the expectation that you’ll be unplugging. It’s okay to enjoy the holidays without your phone glued to your hand!
   Example: “I’ll be out of the office from December 24th to January 2nd. During that time, I will not be checking emails regularly. If something is urgent, please reach out by [date] to make sure we’re squared away before I leave.”

2. Set expectations with family. Holiday time doesn’t mean you have to say yes to every invitation or conversation. Maybe you’re only committing to a holiday brunch and skipping the all-day event. And that’s okay. Protect your peace.
   Example: “I’ll be at brunch, but I’m heading out afterward to recharge for the week ahead. I’d love to catch up, but I have some me-time planned later.”

3. Stick to your boundaries. The hardest part about setting boundaries is holding them, especially when it comes to family or high-maintenance clients. But if you say yes to every request, you’ll burn out faster than a holiday candle. So, stick to your guns. Your future self will thank you. 

The Bottom Line: Boundaries Should Be Non-Negotiable and Empowering

Whether you’re dealing with pushy relatives or overbearing clients, boundaries are what keep you sane, successful, and stress-free. It’s about knowing what you want, asking for it, and communicating it in a way that leaves no room for interpretation.

Remember, setting boundaries isn’t about being difficult. It’s about being clear on what matters most to you. Because here’s the deal: you teach people how to treat you—in business, in relationships, and even around the holiday dinner table.

So, the next time someone asks “When are you getting married?” just smile, set that boundary, and switch the conversation to something more fun—like how you're building your empire and living life on your terms.