The Space Between
Book
Skill

Respect Autonomy

Recognize another adult’s right to make choices about their own life.

Before you use this with another personUse communication, repair, return, or contact only when it is lawful and the other person is willing. If a court order limits contact, location, or communication, follow it exactly. A coping or communication skill never creates permission to call, text, message, visit, follow, return, or use another person to pass a message.
What it is

Autonomy means recognizing that another adult has the right to make choices about their own life, body, relationships, time, friendships, communication, and decisions.

How to do it
Identify what you want them to do.
Ask whether it is actually your decision.
Separate your preference from their right to choose.
Communicate your concern respectfully.
Accept that they may choose differently.
Try It Now
Remember
Love, concern, fear, and jealousy do not erase another person’s right to choose.
Want to understand this more deeply?

Chapter 7: Respect Boundaries

Read the story and teaching behind this skill, then come back here when you want to practice it.

Read chapter

Related Skills

Skill

Accept “No”

Recognize another person’s right to refuse, stop, change their mind, or choose differently.

Skill

Replace Control With a Healthy Choice

Replace attempts to control another person with a response focused on your own behavior.

Skill

Understand Jealousy

Identify the fear, insecurity, or belief underneath jealousy.