'I Don't Know How To Set Boundaries!'

A patriot can only say yes. A good citizen knows when to say no.

Pond in the Woods (1922) by Georgia O’Keeffe

Dear Polly,

I’m writing to you because I genuinely don’t know how to set boundaries, assert my needs, show (very real and deep) gratitude, and communicate serious frustration and hurt towards an aunt who has played a pivotal role in my life.

Some backstory: my mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia about 16 yea…