SLC-S24/W6 - Powerful Debate | Do you believe in having expectations and setting boundaries in relationships? Yes

Hello everyone i hope you all are good and enjoy your life in this last last week of the Steemit Challenge Season 24 Its been incredible journey full of deep reflections powerful stories and heartfelt discussions. I am grateful to the Steemit team and my fellow participants for making this season unforgettable. For this final week I have chosen Task 1 Boundaries and Expectations and my answer is a firm YES I do believe in having expectations and setting boundaries in relationships.

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Do you believe in having expectations and setting boundaries in relationships? — Yes

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Real Life Story: From Giving to Being Taken for Granted

As a passionate Udemy instructor my goal has always been to teach with heart. I have worked hard to design quality content and I have even made many of my courses free for deserving students who could not afford them.

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When I first started giving free access to students from underprivileged backgrounds I felt fulfilled. I thought I was helping people grow and giving them the wings to fly.

But then something shifted and not in a good way.

More and more students started asking for free access not because they were serious but because they just wanted a shortcut. They did not even pretend to value the course.
Some began messaging me things like

"Sir just give all your courses for free its your job to help."
"You are smart just do the assignments for me and send them."

I was stunned.
I felt used.
Even worse I realized that 90% of the student who received free access did not even complete the course. No feedback no progress no appreciation.

Imagine spending days and night preparing content recording videos crafting assignments only for people to treat it like nothing. That when it hit me I had failed to set boundaries and now my kindness was being exploited.

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I was giving but they were only taking — without any sense of responsibility.
That moment was painful but also liberating. It taught me the importance of expectation and boundaries in every relationship even in education.

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Boundaries and Expectations: Pros and Cons

Pros of Having Expectations and Setting Boundaries

• Protects Your Mental Health: You avoid emotional burnout from being taken for granted.
• Promotes Responsibility: Students who know your expectations are more likely to take your work seriously.
• Builds Mutual Respect: Setting limits creates a culture of appreciation not entitlement.
• Encourages Quality Relationships: You attract those who truly value your effort not just free benefits.

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Cons of Having Expectations and Setting Boundaries

• You May Be Misunderstood: Some may label you as selfish or unkind for saying “No.”
• Potential Relationship Loss: People who were only there for the benefits may walk away.
• Emotional Struggle: Denying help even when it’s necessary can feel cold or guilt-inducing.

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Boundaries and Expectations Pros and Cons

The truth is boundaries are not barriers they are bridges. They help you stay true to your values while still being kind and supportive but not at the cost of your own dignity.

By setting clear expectations you create a space where both side respect the effort and contribution of the other. Whether its students friends or family those who truly value you will honor your limits not test them.

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So yes I firmly believe in expectations and boundaries. Without them you lose control of your emotional energy. With them you create relationships rooted in respect clarity and mutual growth.

Now I still give free courses but only after seeing a students genuine passion and sincerity. Because I’ve learned not everyone deserves access to your effort. And thats okay.