Boundaries is an "in" word, but for a big part of the Latin community, this is a foreign word.

We were born in a culture where togetherness, community and little space is highly valued. This might explain some of the issues and cultural shocks we have when we arrive or marry someone from the USA where individualism and personal space is highly regarded.

But personal boundaries are important to feel safe. It is not about others, it is about us.

To set healthy boundaries, we need to get to know ourselves and understand what is important to us. That is the first step, then:

• Define what is important for you
• Decide on a boundary that will supports what is important
• Decide what are you willing to do if this boundary is violated
• Communicate that boundary. A secret boundary is not a boundary!
• Communicate the result of a boundary being violated

Setting boundaries will be difficult at first, specially if you have never had them, but it is worth it. They will also not be permanent, they will change and evolve as you do.

Communicate with your partner, when you set boundaries in a bicultural relationship, it is critical to keep the communication opened, your partner needs to know what is important to you and same in the reverse.

Honor yourself and your parent by setting boundaries that will reinforce your relationship.