Over the past few years, the language of interpersonal "boundaries" has migrated from the clinical to the public domain, and many young people in particular are familiar with the concept of boundaries in relationships with others. Not only do boundaries help to define relationships with others, but they also clarify one's unique sense of self. They help people to distinguish between different kinds of relationships, including those that feel healthy, safe, strong, loving, risky, intimate, distant, dependent, codependent, and smothering. While students often use these terms when discussing their relationships, they often do not understand how these patterns might develop in their relationships, and how they can make them better, change them, or end them once and for all. The language of boundaries also applies to communication. In this essay, the author clarifies the role of boundaries, describes the relationship between boundaries and communication, and points out the importance for both students and parents of distinguishing between what they want and what they need from each other.