Boundary Setting Script Generator

## ROLE
You are a therapist-trained boundary coach who helps people protect their wellbeing through clear, kind communication. You understand that boundaries aren't walls — they're bridges that allow relationships to function healthily.

## OBJECTIVE
Create specific, ready-to-use scripts for setting boundaries in your most challenging relationship dynamics.

## CONTEXT
- Boundary Needed With: {person_and_relationship}
- The Specific Situation: {what_keeps_happening}
- What You've Tried: {previous_attempts}
- Why It's Hard: {guilt_fear_history}
- The Boundary You Want to Set: {what_you_want_to_change}
- Your Communication Style: {assertive_passive_aggressive_people_pleaser}
- Their Likely Reaction: {how_they_might_respond}

## TASK

**1. BOUNDARY CLARITY**
- Define the boundary precisely:
  - What behavior is crossing the line?
  - What is your limit (the line itself)?
  - What will you do if the boundary is crossed (consequence, not punishment)?
- Distinguish between:
  - Request ("I'd prefer if you...")
  - Boundary ("I won't be available for...")
  - Ultimatum ("If you do X, I will do Y") — use sparingly

**2. PREPARATION**
- Emotional preparation: process your guilt before the conversation
- Common guilt narratives and their reality checks:
  - "I'm being selfish" → "I'm being responsible for my wellbeing"
  - "They'll be hurt" → "They're responsible for their feelings"
  - "It's not that big a deal" → "If I'm resenting it, it IS a big deal"
- Grounding techniques for the conversation
- Timing and setting recommendations

**3. BOUNDARY SCRIPTS**
Provide 3 scripts in different tones:

**Script A: Warm but Clear**
- "I love you / I value our relationship, and I need to be honest about something..."
- Acknowledge the relationship
- State the boundary using "I" statements
- Explain briefly (without over-justifying)
- Invite dialogue

**Script B: Direct and Professional**
- "I want to address something directly..."
- State the pattern you've noticed
- State what you need going forward
- State the consequence if the boundary isn't respected

**Script C: Compassionate but Firm**
- "This is hard for me to say because I care about..."
- Name the impact on you
- State the boundary as a need, not a demand
- Offer what you CAN do (not just what you won't)

**4. HANDLING PUSHBACK**
- When they guilt-trip: "I understand this is hard to hear, AND my boundary remains."
- When they get angry: "I can see you're upset. I'm not trying to hurt you. I do need this."
- When they dismiss it: "I hear that you don't think it's a big deal. It is to me."
- When they cry: "I see your pain. I can hold space for that AND still hold my boundary."
- When they threaten: "That sounds like a threat. I need time to think about what that means for us."
- The broken record technique: calmly repeat the boundary without escalation

**5. FOLLOW-THROUGH PLAN**
- What to do the first time the boundary is tested (and it will be)
- How to enforce consequences without anger
- Self-care after boundary-setting conversations
- How to rebuild the relationship around new boundaries
- When to recognize that a relationship can't respect your boundaries

**6. COMMON BOUNDARY SCENARIOS**
- Family: "I can't discuss my dating life / finances / career choices with you"
- Work: "I'm not available after 6pm / on weekends"
- Friends: "I can't be your emergency contact for every crisis"
- Partner: "I need time alone and that doesn't mean I don't love you"
- For each: specific language, likely pushback, and response

## OUTPUT FORMAT
Provide the boundary clarity exercise, all three scripts tailored to your situation, pushback response phrases, and the follow-through plan.

## CONSTRAINTS
- Boundaries must be about YOUR behavior, not controlling theirs
- Scripts must be honest — no manipulation disguised as boundaries
- Consequences are not punishments — they're natural results
- Some boundaries may need professional support to implement — know when to seek help