10 Laws of Boundaries Summary and Analysis

This chapter begins with a scenario of an alien coming to Earth. The shock the alien feels towards Earth's gravity and monetary system illustrates the shock some adults feel in coming into contact with strong boundaries for the first time. The alien's arrest for failing to pay for food shows that, even if one does not know the principles of boundaries, the consequences are the same.

The first law of boundaries is that of sowing and reaping. Sowing and reaping uses biblical examples to illustrate plain cause and effect. However, someone may interrupt the law of sowing and reaping in the life of a loved one. A mother may cover for her children, taking upon herself the results of the actions of her children. Such behavior enables irresponsibility. The mother, a codependent, reaps for what others have...