Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Ever been caught off guard by an intrusive or rude question? 😳 You don’t owe anyone an explanation, an excuse, or an apology.
Mastering communication skills and knowing how to set boundaries calmly is a total superpower. Instead of getting defensive or awkward, flip the script with these grounded responses:
The direct boundary: "I'm not open to discussing that." (No justification needed. Period.) 🙅♂️
The mirror technique: "Why would you ask me that?" or "Why would you want to know that?" (This instantly puts the responsibility back on the other person). 🪞
The truth bomb: "That comment doesn't feel supportive." (It’s not aggressive—it’s just the truth). 💯
You don't have to be mean to protect your peace. You just have to be firm. 🧘♂️✨
💬 Which of these responses is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
📚 Too Much Book: hfcbook.com
📩 Newsletter: terricole.com/newsletter
🔑 Ready to build healthier relationships? Join: terricole.com/tcm
🪔 Meditate with me: insighttimer.com/terricole
📸 Instagram: terricole.com/ig
About Terri Cole
Terri Cole is a licensed psychotherapist, global relationship and empowerment expert, and the author of Boundary Boss-The Essential Guide to Talk True, Be Seen and (Finally) Live Free, The Boundary Boss Workbook, and Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency.
For over two decades, Terri has worked with a diverse group of clients that includes everyone from stay-at-home moms to celebrities and Fortune 500 CEOs.
She has a gift for making complex psychological concepts accessible and actionable so that clients and students achieve sustainable change. She inspires over a million people weekly through her blog, social media platform, signature courses, and her popular podcast, The Terri Cole Show. For more, see terricole.com
BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/terricole
I’m not currently taking any new one-on-one therapy or coaching clients, but highly recommend using BetterHelp to find a therapist that fits your needs. As a team, we have fully vetted BetterHelp's resources.
terricole.com/gethelp -- If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger, the resources on this page can provide you with immediate help.
Please note: If you choose to sign up for BetterHelp or Insight Timer or buy through my Amazon links, I will receive a commission. Please know that I only recommend services and products that I know & trust.
Ever been caught off guard by an intrusive or rude question? 😳 You don’t owe anyone an explanation, an excuse, or an apology.
Mastering communication skills and knowing how to set boundaries calmly is a total superpower. Instead of getting defensive or awkward, flip the script with these grounded responses:
The direct boundary: "I'm not open to discussing that." (No justification needed. Period.) 🙅♂️
The mirror technique: "Why would you ask me that?" or "Why would you want to know that?" (This instantly puts the responsibility back on the other person). 🪞
The truth bomb: "That comment doesn't feel supportive." (It’s not aggressive—it’s just the truth). 💯
You don't have to be mean to protect your peace. You just have to be firm. 🧘♂️✨
💬 Which of these responses is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
📚 Too Much Book: hfcbook.com
📩 Newsletter: terricole.com/newsletter
🔑 Ready to build healthier relationships? Join: terricole.com/tcm
🪔 Meditate with me: insighttimer.com/terricole
📸 Instagram: terricole.com/ig
About Terri Cole
Terri Cole is a licensed psychotherapist, global relationship and empowerment expert, and the author of Boundary Boss-The Essential Guide to Talk True, Be Seen and (Finally) Live Free, The Boundary Boss Workbook, and Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency.
For over two decades, Terri has worked with a diverse group of clients that includes everyone from stay-at-home moms to celebrities and Fortune 500 CEOs.
She has a gift for making complex psychological concepts accessible and actionable so that clients and students achieve sustainable change. She inspires over a million people weekly through her blog, social media platform, signature courses, and her popular podcast, The Terri Cole Show. For more, see terricole.com
BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/terricole
I’m not currently taking any new one-on-one therapy or coaching clients, but highly recommend using BetterHelp to find a therapist that fits your needs. As a team, we have fully vetted BetterHelp's resources.
terricole.com/gethelp -- If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger, the resources on this page can provide you with immediate help.
Please note: If you choose to sign up for BetterHelp or Insight Timer or buy through my Amazon links, I will receive a commission. Please know that I only recommend services and products that I know & trust.
