My Boundaries at Work and Social Events
Prepare a few words for an invitation or personal question before you are put on the spot. You decide what you want to share; this guide does not determine workplace rights or disclosure requirements.
For: People seeking help or planning their own support · 2 PDF pages
No email or account is required. Use the PDF or printed spaces for private notes. This guide does not collect worksheet answers. Save and reopen a completed PDF to check your notes.
Original response cards: choose your level of detail
Scroll the table sideways on a small screen to compare all columns.
| Situation | Brief response | If the question continues |
|---|---|---|
| Someone offers a drink | No thanks. I would like sparkling water. | That is what I am having tonight. |
| A colleague asks about an appointment | I have an appointment at that time. | I would rather keep the details private. Can we talk about scheduling? |
| An invitation does not fit | I cannot make that event. Would you like to meet for lunch another day? | Thanks for inviting me; I am going to pass this time. |
| Someone asks for your recovery story | I am not ready to talk about that here. | I appreciate your concern. Let’s change the subject. |
These are optional scripts, not a test of assertiveness. Change the wording to sound like you. A different setting, activity or conversation may fit you better.
Prepare for one situation
- The situation and what I want
- Event, question or request; my preferred outcome.
- My first response and a repeat
- Two short lines I can actually say.
- A practical arrangement
- Transport, a different activity, a chosen companion or a scheduling request; what needs confirmation.
SAMHSA suggests telling a trusted person what kind of help you need. You could ask someone to change the subject, join an alternative activity, or be available for a conversation afterward.
Sources: [1]