Personal Boundaries Essay Example

you have experienced emotional difficulty due to your neighbor's fence, it may indicate that you are being fenced out rather than fenced in. Being isolated by a fence is not comparable to fencing others out.

The new fence erected by my neighbors next to my parents' house was initially puzzling. However, upon reflection, I realized that as a homeowner myself, I would also want to limit access of neighborhood children to my yard. While the fence owner kept other kids out, they were also confining themselves. This situation can be isolating as I have experienced before. It may be comforting to know that only approved visitors are allowed on one's property but it can also make the homeowner feel trapped and unable to enjoy their neighbor's lawn like they once did.

Although it may feel eerie to walk through a neighbor's yard without any fences to indicate boundaries, there may be situations where taking a shortcut through their property is necessary. However, if the neighbor is unfamiliar or disliked, being caught on their land could give the impression of spying. This feeling can become even more intense when noticing the neighbor looking at you from their window. At this point, it might be tempting to think "if you don't want me here, put up a fence."

Typically, I experienced a certain feeling because my neighbor created an unspoken boundary between us. It is ironic that the owner may have thought, "I need to build a fence to prevent these bothersome children from damaging my yard." After recognizing the need for a fence, there is also a psychological barrier that forms alongside the physical one. This mental fence safeguards

their feelings towards personal possessions such as their grill, lawnmower and even their significant other. The actual fence provides protection for their belongings.

Even if a fence is constructed and then dismantled months later, the mental barrier it creates may remain for neighbors. Despite lacking a physical presence, the image of a "Do Not Enter" sign may linger in their minds. Negative attitudes from homeowners can also rapidly construct mental walls that are difficult to break down. Both physical and mental walls serve the same purpose: either keeping people within or excluding them.