Walk down any social feed and you’ll see it: ultra-snatched waists, exaggerated curves, filtered faces with poreless skin. In the shadow of these ideals, more people are pursuing increasingly extreme cosmetic procedures—from highly aggressive body-contouring to 'ant-waist' rib modifications—hoping to feel better in their bodies. But the data tell a more complicated story: the hunger for perfection is colliding with mental health vulnerabilities, high-risk procedures, and powerful algorithmic forces. As nurses and health professionals, we have a crucial role to play.

By now, we’ve explored why boundaries matter and how they show up in family, friendships, love, and work. But here’s the truth many people overlook: it’s not enough to set a boundary — you also have to enforce it.

Two of the most important places where boundaries show up—and often get tested—are in our romantic relationships and professional lives. Love and work both carry enormous weight in how we live, who we are, and how we connect with others.

In the first two parts of this series, we explored why boundaries matter and how they shape our family dynamics. Now, we turn to friendships — the relationships we choose, and the ones that test our emotional balance the most.

by Magdalena Wieringa, RN, BScN, CPMHN

We all struggle with boundaries in one way or another. For some, the challenge lies in setting healthy boundaries without feeling guilty or selfish. For others, the difficulty comes in respecting the boundaries of others—a problem that can quietly damage relationships and mutual trust.

Managing Compassion Fatigue: A Guide for NursesBy Magdalena Wieringa, RN, BScN, CPMHN — Mental Health Nurse & Health Writer

Your First Counseling Appointment: What to Expect

Stress vs. Anxiety: How to Tell the DifferenceBy Magdalena Wieringa, RN, BScN, Mental Health Nurse, and Health Writer