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Boundary Phrases Card
Six ready phrases, from the soft decline to the full stop — one page, printable or kept as a phone screenshot.
A keep-close version. Read it here, or screenshot this page to have it on your phone — print and PDF copies will appear once final files are attached.
Phrases chosen in advance hold better than phrases found mid-conversation. Pick the rung before you need it.
The six
- Soft'I'd rather not, but thank you.'
- Clear'I can't do that.'
- Firm'I can't do that, and it isn't up for discussion today.'
- The plan-change'I need to move our plans — my body isn't going to manage tomorrow. Can we pick another day?'
- The repair that keeps the limit'I'm sorry the other night was tense — I care about you, and I'm keeping the one-hour visits.'
- The full stop'I need to stop now.'
A boundary is information, not an argument. Repeating it calmly is accuracy, not rudeness.