Quote: When we want something from someone whether it is sex, approval, agreement, etc. - I don't know how it can't be some form of manipulation unless you have absolutely no interest in the response/outcome
Alas, this does seem to be the key to serenity. Knowing the difference between the things you can change (yourself) and the things you can't (other people).
cobra, you can set boundaries, but in doing so you must accept that all your boundary is is a request. The only way to "enforce" a boundary is to take some action of your own that takes you out of range of the damaging behavior that the boundary was supposed to protect you from. You simply cannot make someone else do anything. That's why it's better to be with someone who wants to get to the same place you want to get to. You, my friend, are swimming against a strong current.
