Navigating Boundary Challenges with Loved Ones

Navigating Boundary Challenges with Loved Ones

Curious about how others manage tricky relationships while staying sober and sane? This conversation between Amy Liz Harrison and psychologist Dr Sarah Michaud digs into exactly that, using Nedra Glover Tawwab’s book *Set Boundaries, Find Peace* as their guide. Amy and Sarah talk honestly about how hard it is to say no, especially for people pleasers and those in recovery.

Amy jokes that there’s “no way in hell” she’d say, “I’m sorry, I don’t want to watch your dog,” even though the book suggests that kind of direct response. That tension between theory and real life becomes a running theme, with both women pushing for more practical, real-world language that still respects everyone involved. The episode walks through signs of weak boundaries—oversharing, people pleasing, constant overwhelm—and how these can build into resentment, anger, anxiety and even physical symptoms.

Sarah notes that “overwhelm is huge… and the problem is overwhelm can turn into anger,” linking emotional burnout to a lack of clear limits. They also tackle boundary pushback: what to do when someone ignores or guilt-trips you after you’ve finally spoken up. Family dynamics get plenty of airtime, from mother-in-law tensions to adult children drinking in a sober parent’s home.

Amy shares how writing a letter helped her explain house rules and religious differences without getting dragged into exhausting arguments. Self-boundaries come up too—saying yes to things you hate, getting sucked into other people’s drama, and overcommitting all count as ways of abandoning yourself. Both women keep bringing it back to one simple question: what works for you, and what doesn’t?

If you’ve ever felt guilty for saying no, or furious because you didn’t, this episode might give you something to chew on—whose peace are you protecting, and what boundary could you try next?