Q: What are healthy boundaries in friendships?
Published on September 3, 2025
A:
Friendship is a precious thing. When you venture into friendship you may want to set some boundaries that will keep the relationship healthy.
When you know a friendship is developing, sit down with the new friend and honestly and openly discuss what each of you should expect for the friendship to grow.
Pray with your friend and let the Spirit of God guide you as you talk about your faith and values. Discuss how you will resolve conflicts when they come up. Talk about how much time you can put into building the relationship. Talk about who and what will take precedence over the activities of the friendship—things like family, church, school and other friends. Of course, these kinds of things can be honestly discussed in your present friendships, too, regardless of how long you have been friends.
Above all, let the Spirit guide your friendships. And always expect to give and receive blessings among all your friends!
