Abstract
A personal boundary is a behavioural or emotional metaphorical wall that we erect to ensure our physical and psychological safety. These are important for keeping us in healthy and sustainable relationships. We draw personal boundaries to protect whatis uniquely ours: our body, resources, intellect, emotions and behaviour. Therefore, where we draw them is specific to us based on our ethics, values, priorities, experiences, feelings and needs. Veterinary professionals may struggle to set boundaries because they may be driven by compassion or empathy, or have perfectionistic or people-pleasing tendencies. This is the first of a series of two articles addressing what personal boundaries are and why we need them. Why veterinary professionals struggle to set healthy boundaries is also discussed.
NSTL