Ep 33 Boundaries in an Alcoholic Marriage: What Healthy Really Sounds Like

Wife On The Rocks I Gaslighting, Addiction, Codependency, Al Anon, Alcoholism, Recovery

Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between a healthy boundary and one that only sounds right on the surface. Boundaries are like real vs. counterfeit money—you need to know what the genuine thing “sounds” like in order to recognize when something is off.

In this episode, I’m sharing examples of both unhealthy and healthy boundaries side by side so you can hear the difference for yourself. Poorly stated boundaries often come out of anger, sound controlling, or place the accountability on you instead of where it belongs. Healthy boundaries, on the other hand, are calm, clear, and protective without trying to control another person’s choices.

You’ll learn:

• Why tone and phrasing matter more than you might realize—especially when you’re dealing with alcoholism, addiction, or gaslighting at home.

• Why practice builds confidence in speaking boundaries that actually work.

• How a “bad boundary” sounds compared to a “good boundary”—so you can stop feeling stuck and start protecting your peace.

If you’ve ever thought, “My boundaries sound right, so why don’t they work?”—this episode will help you start spotting the difference. Whether you’re navigating life with an alcoholic spouse, recovering from the effects of addiction, or learning how to respond to gaslighting, you’ll find practical insight and encouragement here.

👉 Have a question you’d like me to cover in a future episode? Email me at [email protected]

👉 Want help practicing boundaries that actually work? My one-on-one summer coaching sessions are open now → https://calendly.com/wifeontherocks/1hrcoachingsession