#Boundarie

[catcrumb]

[forthegoodofamerica]

Borders, Boundaries, and the Secret to a Better Life: Loving Thy Neighbor

In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, we’ve become experts at constructing invisible barriers. These borders may be as physical as fences or as abstract as the walls we build in our minds. The idea that “good fences make good neighbors” is a comforting one — after all, it’s easier to stay on our side of the line and let others do the same. But what if there’s more to it than that?

An excerpt from George Magazine’s article “Loving Thy Neighbor Is Loving Thyself” by Shelley Allen delves deep into the notion that walls and boundaries, while providing security, might also be the very thing keeping us from experiencing a more fulfilling life. Instead of keeping our neighbors at arm’s length, what if the true secret to happiness, longevity, and even personal growth lies in those very relationships we try to avoid?

Allen starts by reflecting on how history and science show that humans need one another. In her candid words, “man needs others, like it or not.” This truth isn’t just philosophical — studies now reveal that social relationships provide real mental and physical health benefits. We all know life is hard, and whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, our neighbors might just be the key to unlocking a better quality of life.

But let's face it — sometimes, neighbors are difficult. They can be noisy, nosy, or simply an inconvenience. For some, ignoring them feels like the best strategy. However, Allen argues that “social introverts like me never attack their neighbors”, and while avoiding others might feel safer, it’s not always the healthiest approach. In fact, when times get tough, having a supportive community can make all the difference in the world.

It’s fascinating how the research Allen discusses echoes what many of us feel but may not fully understand: human connection matters. When we face challenges, whether they are personal, professional, or emotional, having strong ties to those around us can reduce stress and even improve our mental well-being. In contrast, feeling isolated often makes those same challenges seem insurmountable.

Neighbors: A Hidden Source of Strength

Research cited in the article by Gillman, Turner, and Slater reveals that people evaluate challenges and stress differently based on the level of social support they have. If you feel backed by others, you’re more likely to view a challenge as something you can overcome rather than as a threat. But when you feel alone, every obstacle seems larger, every decision more daunting.

The idea of loving our neighbors isn’t just about being nice or following a moral code. According to the article, “loving our neighbors is for us—physically as well as psychologically and emotionally”. This act of kindness doesn’t just help others; it helps us. So, why don’t we do it more often?

Most of us don’t know the names of the people living right next door. Some of us barely glance at our neighbors as we come and go, busy in our own lives. But what if we knew how much we stood to gain from fostering these connections? Loving thy neighbor might seem difficult, but it’s more than just a commandment — it’s a life strategy.

Get Your Free Copy of George Magazine!

Want to read the full article and dive deeper into the surprising benefits of building stronger relationships with those around you? You can get a free copy of George Magazine today! Discover why opening up to your neighbors might be the key to living a longer, happier, and more fulfilling life.

By signing up at free.georgemagazine.com, you’ll gain exclusive access to this eye-opening article along with many more. The best part? It’s completely free. No hidden subscriptions or costs — just a powerful magazine that offers insight into living a better life through deeper human connections.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Get your free copy of George Magazine now and see for yourself why “Loving Thy Neighbor Is Loving Thyself” could be the most impactful read you’ve had in a while. Head over to free.georgemagazine.com and sign up today.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

In our increasingly disconnected world, Allen’s article is a timely reminder that we cannot thrive in isolation. We need people — not just for the big moments, but for the small ones too. Having a strong social network has been proven to reduce stress, increase life satisfaction, and even prolong our lives. So why wouldn’t we invest in getting to know our neighbors?

It’s easy to see why this article is creating such a buzz, and it’s even easier to get your hands on it. Don’t wait to uncover the simple yet profound truth that loving thy neighbor is truly loving thyself. Find out more by grabbing your free copy of George Magazine today!

Conclusion: Beyond the Fences

Whether we like it or not, we all live within certain boundaries. But as Shelley Allen emphasizes in her compelling article, these borders don’t have to be barriers. The walls we build around ourselves can be dismantled with the simple act of loving our neighbors. If we’re willing to reach out, we may find that the rewards of connection go far beyond anything we could have imagined.

So, why not give it a try? Start by reading the full article for free at George Magazine. You’ve got nothing to lose and a world of connection to gain.

[vikingfunerals]

the commodification of friendship is the most annoying thing to come out of the internet in ages. like actually i love to break this to you but you're supposed to help your friends move even if it's hard work. or stay up with them when they're sad even if you're gonna lose sleep. you're supposed to listen to their fears and sorrows even if it means your own mind takes on a little bit of that weight. that's how you know that you care. they will drive you to the airport and then you will make them soup when they're sick. you're supposed to make small sacrifices for them and they are supposed to do that for you. and there's actually gonna be rough patches for both of you where the balance will be uneven and you will still be friends and it will not be unhealthy and they will not be abusive. life is not meant to be an endless prioritization of our own comfort if it was we would literally never get anywhere ever. jesus.

[everchased]

hahahahaaaa get safe and cared for, idiot

[mydayswithtarotbystella]

Complexities of Narcissistic Power Abuse

For those who struggle with inner fights and unbalances mentally

Understanding the Impact of Narcissistic Abuse Narcissistic abuse can have profound effects on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. When someone close to us, such as a partner or friend, exhibits narcissistic traits, their actions can cause significant harm. This type of abuse often involves manipulation, control, and a lack of empathy, leaving the victim feeling powerless and…

[thebibliosphere]

If there’s one thing that drives me insane it’s learned helplessness. And I know, I know it’s a stress response to trauma and a lot of people aren’t even aware they’re doing it, but unfortunately my childhood trauma is having to be the person who did everything because none of the adults had a handle on their shit, so unfortunately I have a short fuse when it comes to the kind of people who need a longer fuse and, well. You can see the conundrum this puts us in.

[tallymali]

genuinely what is the reason for the internet becoming so prudish?? who can i fight about this

[powdermelonkeg]

Fun fact: We know the size of the Pokémon world because Scarlet and Violet has framerate issues

I'm not answering any more questions

[thepeacefulgarden]

And remember, they don't have to hit you in order to qualify as an abuser. Do they...

Say mean and/or creepy things and then try to walk it back as "just a joke?"

Tell you that you're "too sensitive" when you call out their words or behavior?

Use the Bible, the Quran, the Torah, the Vedas, or any other religious text to justify mistreating you?

Treat you badly, apologize, promise never to do it again, and proceed to do it again?

Try to control where you go, how you dress, who you see and talk to, what and how much you eat, etc.?

Snoop through your phone, emails, belongings, or other private stuff without your OK? Or manipulate you into "letting" them do so?

Track your menstrual cycle (if you have one) without your OK? Or manipulate you into "letting" them do so?

Try to make you keep a pregnancy you don't want (or terminate one you do)? Or try to dictate what (if any) birth control you use?

Threaten to hurt themselves or other people if you leave, or "step out of line?"

Break or throw things when they're upset?

Punch holes in walls, doors, etc.?

Make you (or try to make you) engage in sexual acts you don't enjoy, don't feel ready for, don't feel comfortable with, or just plain aren't in the mood for?

Try to make you feel like a bad person for saying "no" to sex?

Try to distance you from your friends and family?

Actively try to turn your friends and family against you? Or you against them?

Get mad when you say no or try to set a boundary?

Call you degrading names?

Use your insecurities against you?

"Neg" or "should" you into conforming to their preferences?

Try to get you to quit your job, or get you fired?

Use drugs, alcohol, a bad day at work, or whatever their deal is as an excuse for their behavior? If so, you need to get out. Now. Make a plan. I promise, it doesn't get better as long as you are in this relationship. You cannot love the red flags out of people. Even if they don't hit you now, there's a good chance they'll start sooner or later; abuse has a nasty tendency to escalate.

[ash-and-starlight]

Sokka baulked. "I'm not getting on that." "That," said Zuko, "is my baby." Zuko's baby, a fifty foot dragon, huffed. Great white plumes of smoke issued out of his nostrils and buffeted around Sokka. "Play nice, Druk," said Zuko, laughing

for The Mercy of Magpies chapter 2!

as always written by thee wonderful showstopping incredible @ranilla-bean ✨

chapter post || cover || map and characters

[sweetonsugden]

Cas can rummage through whatever he wants as far as Dean’s concerned.

[bamsara]

I think that one thing people fail to understand is that unsolicited literary criticism coming from an online stranger who is reading with no knowledge of what the authors intended goal is, is not going to be received the same as say: the authors beta reader or friends who know what the authors intended goal and has the sufficient knowledge and input to help the author reach that desired outcome.

"But I'm only trying to be helpful" How do I know you have the knowledge and literary skill for you to be able to actaully do that when we don't know each other and you are essentially a stranger to me? Are you applying this criticism based out of personal biased experience and desire to see the story or characterization be driven in another direction or tweaked, or do you know the author's intentions for the character? If the story is incomplete, are you basing your criticism of a character on the incomplete narration with only partial information available of them or are you building up a report until the story's completion? Did the author provide you with the information needed to make a fully informed criticism?

Have you discussed with the author what their plans are or are you assuming them based off the narration, especially if the narration is proven or implied to be unreliable or missing key points of the plot? Are you unbiased enough to help them reach their desired outcome for the characters and story regardless of your personal feelings towards the characters/antagonists and setting? Can you handle being told your specific input isn't wanted because you're a reader and/or have no written anything relating to their genre or topic? Do you understand and respect that the author's personal experiences might influence their writing and make it different than how you would have done it personally? Do you understand if an author only wants input from a specific demographic relating to their story?

If it's for fanfiction or other hobby media, are you holding a free hobby to a professional standard? Are you trying to give criticism because you feel like the author has produced 'subpar job performance' of their fic? Are you viewing their work as a personal intimate outlet or something that must conform with mass media? Are you applying rules and guidelines when the fic is shared for simple sharing sake? Is your criticism worded appropriately and focused on the parts where the author has requested input on rather than a general dismissal and or disapproval?

Have you put yourself in a place where you assumed you have the input needed for the story to evolve better, or have you asked what the author needs and what they're having trouble with? Can you handle having your criticism rejected if the author decides their story doesn't need the change and not take it as a personal offense against your character? Are you crossing that boundary because you think you are doing the author a favor? Are you trying to be helpful, or do you just want to be?

I think sometimes when people hear authors go 'please don't give me unsolicited writing advice or criticism' they automatically chalk it up to 'this author doesn't want ANY constructive feedback on their stuff at all' and not "i already have trusted individuals who will help me with my writing goals and- hey i don't know you like that, please stop acting so overly familiar with me'

[z13lovebot]

More fishputer 🤲

[iliothermia]

Shana Tova!!! May your enemies, haters, and those who wish evil upon you be cut off. The blessing for the leek has always felt resonant but this year it's been on my mind a lot. For me at least, 5785 is a year of practicing healthy boundaries and taking care of myself - even if I have to run on spite. I hope everyone has a safe Rosh Hashanah ❤️

[flwrkid14]

Love and Obsession: The Tim Drake Way

part 2

Everyone in the Batfamily knows Tim Drake has… issues with boundaries. They’ve spent years trying to teach him what’s appropriate and what’s—well—deeply unsettling and completely invasive. To be fair, he’s learned. Mostly. He doesn’t stalk his family anymore (much), and he no longer pulls up files on every single person they talk to (okay, maybe just sometimes). But it’s progress.

But then Tim starts dating Danny Fenton. And, oh boy, a few screws come loose.

It starts small, as always. Just little things. Tim’s a detective, after all—background checks are second nature. Danny’s living in Gotham, and Gotham isn’t safe. So, really, what’s the harm in knowing a little more about Danny’s friends? And his professors? And maybe also his classmates? It’s just standard protocol. Okay?

“Tim, you’ve run a full dossier on my entire biology class?” Danny asks one day, laughing as he flips through a file on the coffee table. Tim shrugs. “What if one of them is dangerous?” “Pretty sure the most dangerous thing in that class is the midterm.”

Danny doesn’t think much of it. He’s a little flattered, even. Tim’s protective. It’s sweet.

But Tim’s mind doesn’t stop there. Danny’s too handsome. Too charming. What if someone tries to hurt him? What if someone tries to take him away? It’s not obsessive—it’s just concern. So, a tracker on Danny’s phone? Necessary. Cameras in his apartment? Standard. Monitoring his sleeping patterns and hangout spots? Logical.

Tim tells himself it’s love. And maybe a little insecurity.

“You have a tracker on his phone?” Dick asks, trying not to sound alarmed. Tim nods, like it’s the most normal thing in the world. “Of course. What if something happens to him?” “And the cameras?” “Safety.” “The background checks on his professors?” “Gotham U isn’t exactly known for its stellar staff, Dick.”

It doesn’t stop there. Tim knows everything. Danny’s eating habits, his favorite places to go when he’s stressed, his childhood allergies. Tim’s mapped out Danny’s entire life. He knows about Danny’s ghost powers too—of course he does. He’s Tim Drake. The moment he realized Danny was Phantom, it just… clicked.

Danny being half-ghost? That’s just one more reason to worry. Tim’s up late at night, watching for any signs of ectoplasmic interference. He tracks the energy spikes. He monitors Danny’s fights.

He doesn’t think Danny knows. He’s terrified of what will happen if he finds out.

But then he does.

One evening, Danny walks into Tim’s apartment and casually drops a folder on the table. Tim’s heart stops.

“What’s this?” Danny asks, raising an eyebrow. Tim swallows hard. “I… it’s just…” “You’ve been tracking me?” Danny opens the file, glancing through pages of surveillance reports, background checks, even analysis of his ectoplasmic energy. Tim feels like his world is about to shatter.

“I… I can explain,” Tim says, his voice tight. “I’m just… worried about you. You’re in danger all the time, and I—” Danny walks over, cupping Tim’s face in his hands. Tim braces for the worst.

But Danny just smiles. “Can I put a tracker on you too?”

Tim blinks. “What?” Danny kisses his cheek. “If you’re watching my back, it’s only fair I watch yours. I need to make sure you’re safe too.”

Tim stares at him, speechless. Danny doesn’t look scared. Or angry. He looks… fond. Like Tim’s obsessive tendencies aren’t a problem at all.

“I’ve never had someone care about me this much,” Danny says softly. “I trust you with my life, Tim. This? This just proves how serious you are.”

Tim thinks he’s just fallen deeper in love.

-------------------

The Batfamily? They’re worried.

Jason corners Tim in the cave. “Okay, so let me get this straight. You’ve got cameras in his apartment. You’ve mapped out his entire life. You’ve got a tracker on him and a heartbeat monitor. And he’s… fine with it?” Tim nods, a dreamy smile on his face. “Yeah. He even wants to put a tracker on me.” “That’s not… healthy, Tim,” Dick says carefully. “That’s—” “It’s mutual,” Tim interrupts. “We’re protecting each other.”

Bruce pinches the bridge of his nose. “Tim, this isn’t how relationships are supposed to work.” Tim shrugs. “It’s how ours works.”

Damian watches the whole thing with narrowed eyes. “This is deeply unsettling,” he mutters.

They try to talk to Danny. Intervention style. They invite him over, sit him down, and gently (or not so gently) try to explain that Tim’s behavior isn’t normal.

Danny just laughs. “You guys do know I’m half-ghost, right?” “That doesn’t mean—” Dick starts. “I spent my entire life being hunted by ghost hunters. I’ve had worse invasions of privacy.” Danny smiles. “Tim cares. He keeps me safe. That’s all I need.”

The bats don't quite know what to say.

-------------------

Tim and Danny, two slightly unhinged souls who think mutual surveillance is the ultimate act of love.

The bats? They’re just trying to keep up.

(“At least they’re happy?” Barbara offers weakly. Bruce sighs. “For now.”)

Gotham’s version of love was never going to be normal. But this? This is a whole new level.