Why Setting Boundaries Feels Impossible

What actually stops people from setting boundaries — especially with family? Dr. Tracy Dalgleish and Greg asked their community, and the answers were raw: guilt, fear of being ignored, the power of free childcare, and the exhaustion of trying over and over with nothing changing. In this episode, they unpack five real reasons boundaries feel impossible, why the holidays make everything ten times harder, and why the word "boundary" itself might be getting in the way. Tracy reframes boundaries not as walls or ultimatums — but as invitations to stay in relationship differently. Topics covered: Why guilt when setting boundaries doesn't mean you're wrong The "futility trap" — what to do when they never listen anyway Holiday pressure, obligation, and family dynamics Why "invitation" might be a better word than "boundary" What men can do right now before the holiday conversation gets harder. Subscribe to @drtracyd for more videos on relationships, managing your in-law dynamic, mental health, and psychology. Hey there! I’m Dr. Tracy, Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Expert. I take the concepts, tools, and exercises that I use with real couples everyday and show you how you can implement them in your life and in your relationships. Backed by evidence and real clinical experience. Here are some of my useful links: My NEW book: You, Your Husband, and His Mother https://www.drtracyd.com/you-your-husband-and-his-mother My bestselling book: I Didn't Sign Up for This https://drtracyd.com/i-didn-t-sign-up-for-this#/ My Relationship Support Program | Be Connected https://drtracyd.com/be-connected 🎧 Podcast | https://www.drtracyd.com/podcast 📷 Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drtracyd/ 💻 Website | https://www.drtracyd.com/ 🧵Threads | https://www.threads.net/@drtracyd 📒 Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/DrTracyD/