You used to over-explain.
When you set a boundary, you justified it.
You gave reasons. You provided context.
You tried to make them understand.
But you're learning something:
Boundaries that require a defence
are not boundaries. They're negotiations.
A mature boundary does not need a courtroom.
It just needs to be stated.
"I can't do that."
"I need to step back."
"This isn't working for me."
One sentence. No apology. No explanation.
This week, state one boundary in one sentence.
Then stop talking.
Let the silence do its work.
You don't need them to understand.
You just need them to know.