I’ve noticed an interesting conversation happening online recently—particularly on Twitter—about how women in leadership often face a tricky balancing act.
We want to protect our time and mental bandwidth, but we also care about maintaining good relationships with partners, clients, and colleagues.
This tug-of-war can become exhausting, especially if we don’t set clear boundaries.
Over the years, I’ve learned that boundaries aren’t just walls meant to keep people out; they’re a way to maintain our personal well-being while still respecting others.
In my own journey of running a digital consulting agency and juggling family life, I’ve had to craft specific phrases that convey my limits in a calm, respectful manner.
It hasn’t always been easy. Early in my career, I recall saying “yes” to everything, only to feel overwhelmed and resentful.
Now, I’ve realized the value of choosing the right words—words that affirm my position without coming off as rude.
Below are some of my favorite go-to statements, each one designed to help women speak up, assert their needs, and still maintain kindness and respect.
1. “I appreciate your suggestion, but I’ll decide what works best for me.”
This is the gentle-yet-firm response to unsolicited advice, especially from people who think they know what’s best for your business or life choices.
I’ve had moments where a colleague offered feedback about how I should schedule my day or manage my e-commerce store.
While I valued their input, I also knew that only I had a full understanding of my personal priorities.
Using “I appreciate your suggestion” acknowledges their effort in sharing an opinion. Then, “but I’ll decide what works best for me” creates a clear boundary.
There’s no need to justify or over-explain. You’re simply reinforcing that the final call rests with you.
2. “I’d like to respect both our time. Can we schedule this for a more convenient moment?”
I used to find people dropping by my office unannounced—virtually or in person—when I was knee-deep in research or writing.
It was disruptive and threw me off track.
Over time, I learned the importance of politely asking if we can schedule a better time to chat.
What I love about this phrase is that it affirms consideration for everyone involved. You’re effectively saying, “I want to make sure we both maximize our productivity.”
It steers the conversation towards a solution that works for you, without making the other person feel brushed off.
3. “Thank you for understanding, but I’m currently unable to take on new commitments.”
Saying “no” is difficult for many women because we worry about appearing unhelpful or uncooperative.
I’ve been there—my mind is saying “no,” but my mouth blurts out “yes” on autopilot.
This phrase changed that dynamic for me.
It starts with gratitude, a small but effective way of softening the refusal. Then you get straight to the point: you’re not able to take on new tasks.
By phrasing it this way, you provide a clear boundary without letting guilt creep in. That way, people learn to respect your capacity.
If they truly need your help, they can come back later when your schedule opens up.
4. “I value our working relationship, but I need some time to think this through.”
In fast-paced environments, there’s often pressure to deliver an immediate yes or no.
But impulsive decisions, especially about major collaborations or business moves, can lead to regrets down the line.
I once agreed to partner on a big project without taking time to evaluate the financial implications, and it was a headache to unwind later.
A statement like this shows that you care about the relationship yet refuse to be rushed. You set a boundary around your decision-making process.
Even if the other person is eager for an answer, standing firm on taking time to think fosters respect.
It also helps you present a well-considered response, which is beneficial for everyone in the long run.
5. “I understand your urgency, but I have other priorities right now.”
I came across an interesting piece in Harvard Business Review about how setting boundaries can protect us from burnout.
One tip was to recognize that not every emergency—especially someone else’s emergency—has to become your emergency.
That idea resonated with me, particularly when dealing with demanding clients who wanted results yesterday.
By acknowledging urgency, you’re showing empathy.
You let them know you hear their concern. Yet you maintain your ground by saying that your schedule (and likely your mental bandwidth) is allocated elsewhere.
This phrase clarifies that, while you respect their timeline, you have responsibilities that can’t be pushed aside.
6. “I’m not comfortable discussing that.”
This one’s short, sweet, and direct—ideal for personal questions or sensitive topics.
Early in my career, I used to feel pressured to answer every question just to be polite, even if it was too personal. As time went on, I realized it’s entirely okay to voice discomfort.
The beauty of this phrase is in its simplicity. There’s no extended explanation, no second-guessing your own feelings.
It’s a statement of fact: you’re not comfortable. And that’s enough.
If someone persists, you can repeat the phrase calmly or change the subject.
7. “Could we pause this conversation and revisit it when we’re both ready to talk productively?”
Sometimes a discussion becomes heated or emotionally charged, making it impossible to find a healthy resolution.
In these situations, stepping away and cooling off is wise.
If the conversation veers into personal territory or feels too tense, it’s okay to put a temporary stop to it.
I use this phrase at home too.
If I’m clashing with my spouse or even a friend over an issue, saying “Could we pause this?” acts as a signal. It tells the other person I value the relationship enough not to keep fighting mindlessly.
It also sets a boundary that I won’t continue a conversation that isn’t leading to a constructive outcome.
8. “I want to give this my full attention, so let’s plan a proper time to discuss.”
If you’ve ever tried to handle serious matters in the middle of a grocery run or an office hallway, you probably know how scattered it can feel.
This phrase can be a lifesaver because it politely stops the other person from bombarding you at an inconvenient moment. You’re showing your intent to engage—just not right now.
I’ve found this helpful when someone catches me off-guard, especially with complex issues that require thought and focus.
Rather than winging it or giving half-baked opinions, I prefer to carve out an uninterrupted window. That way, I can come prepared, and the conversation tends to be more productive.
9. “I respect your point of view, but I’m going to stick with my decision.”
Even when we make carefully considered choices, we sometimes encounter pushback.
It could be from a business partner, a friend, or a family member who disagrees with what we’ve decided.
In my own businesses, I’ve occasionally faced people who didn’t see eye-to-eye on my strategies—such as marketing approaches or hiring decisions.
Stating you “respect their point of view” acknowledges that you’re not dismissing them.
However, “I’m going to stick with my decision” signals that you’ve thought it through and are confident in your stance. It’s not a debate, nor is it an invitation for further argument; it’s a boundary that you’re done discussing the matter.
10. “I’m available to help in a limited capacity, but I can’t take on full responsibility.”
In any professional or personal setting, we’ve all experienced moments when people try to delegate more than we can handle.
If you genuinely want to assist but can’t dedicate significant time or resources, this phrase can save you from overextending.
Offering a “limited capacity” solution is a middle ground. You’re still pitching in and showing you’re not completely shutting the door on collaboration.
Yet, you clarify you won’t carry the entire project on your shoulders. That clarity can prevent misunderstandings and reduce any hidden expectations that might come back to haunt you.
Wrapping up
Boundary-setting phrases are like guardrails for our mental and emotional health.
They keep us from drifting into resentful territory while allowing us to maintain healthy, authentic connections with others.
If you find yourself in a cycle of overcommitment or people-pleasing, try out one of these statements. Notice how small, intentional words can make a big difference in your stress levels and your overall sense of control.
At the end of the day, it’s about taking care of yourself so you can show up fully for the projects, relationships, and endeavors that truly matter.
When you communicate your limits clearly, you honor both your needs and the needs of those around you. I’ve seen firsthand how a well-placed phrase can transform dynamics in the workplace and at home.
Here’s to speaking our truth, one boundary-friendly sentence at a time.
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