Your boundaries consist of two key aspects: emotional and physical. Bullies can infringe upon both.

Physical Boundaries: If someone is encroaching on your personal space, you can take a step back, create a physical barrier (like a desk), or request that they maintain some distance.

Emotional Boundaries: If someone is probing with personal questions, giving unsolicited advice, or oversharing, it’s perfectly acceptable to redirect the conversation. You might say, “I prefer not to discuss that here,” or, “I don’t think that’s an appropriate subject.”

Keep in mind that bullies often sense fear and exploit perceived weaknesses. By demonstrating your strength, you can encourage them to back off.