Don’t wait until problems show before setting boundaries—state them early and live by them. A banker I know in Uyo learned this the hard way; she let her new boyfriend decide when they’d meet, how often they’d talk, and even what she posted online. Six months later, she felt trapped. Now she sets her rules from day one.

1. Communication clarity: Decide how often you want to talk and what’s off-limits for arguments (e.g., no yelling, no insults).
2. Time respect: Keep your personal schedule—don’t cancel work or hobbies just to please them.
3. Financial limits: Agree on spending expectations before money starts causing friction.
4. Privacy line: Your phone, passwords, and personal diaries are yours unless you choose to share.
5. Deal breakers: Know your non-negotiables—whether it’s cheating, dishonesty, or lack of respect.
   A relationship without clear boundaries is like driving without lane markings—sooner or later, someone’s going to crash into you.