Steal These: Boundary Scripts for Toxic People
If you over-explain, freeze, or spiral, you don’t need a perfect speech—you need a short script. Here are copy/paste boundaries you can actually use.
The Rule:
Less Words, More Follow-Through
Long explanations invite debate. Toxic dynamics often feed on this and any loopholes that can be found.
Aim for: clear, calm, repeatable.
Scripts for Physical Boundaries
Use these when someone ignores your space, touches you without consent, or won’t back off.
“I need more space. Please step back.”
“I’m not a hugger.”
“I’m not comfortable with that.”
“Please don’t touch me.”
“If you keep doing that, I’m leaving.”
Scripts for Emotional Boundaries
These protect you from being used as an emotional dumping ground, guilted into caretaking, or pressured to share more than you want.
“I’m not available for this conversation right now.”
“I can listen for 10 minutes, then I need to step away/get back to work/etc.”
“I’m not the right person for this—please reach out to someone who can support you.”
“I’m not going to take responsibility for your reaction.”
“I’m not ready to share that.”
Scripts for Intellectual Boundaries
These are for people who argue, bait you, lecture you, or disrespect your beliefs.
“I’m not debating this.”
“We see this differently, and I’m not interested in discussing further.”
“I’m not open to feedback on that.”
“If you keep talking to me like I’m stupid, I’m done here.”
Scripts for Sexual Boundaries
These are for dating, marriage, and anywhere that consent needs to be explicit and respected.
“No.”
“I’m not comfortable with that.”
“That’s not something I do.”
“If you keep pushing, I’m leaving.”
“I’m choosing to honor my values, and I need you to respect that.”
Scripts for Material Boundaries
These cover borrowing, spending pressure, and entitlement to your resources.
“I’m not lending money.”
“That’s not in my budget.”
“I’m not comfortable sharing that with you.”
“No, you can’t use/borrow that.”
“If you take my things without asking, I won’t have you over.”
Scripts for Time Boundaries
These protect your bandwidth — especially from over-communication or controlling dynamics.
“I’m not available tonight.”
“I can talk for one hour.”
“I go offline after 8pm.”
“I’m taking some space this week.”
“I’ll respond to you tonight/tomorrow.”
Optional add-on: Brief self-talk to steady your nervous system before you respond:
“Slow exhale. Shoulders down. Respond, don’t react.”
Boundary setting can be so hard. I encourage you to be patient with yourself and with the process. If you’re still having a difficult time scripting or communicating boundaries, let’s chat about ways I can support you growing in this!
