Say the boundary in operational terms
Name the contact, behavior, topic, access, or commitment you will and will not participate in. For a message about how to support someone during redundancy consultation, use this factual base: acknowledge the specific loss, uncertainty, or process and avoid assumptions about performance or finances.
Define any necessary exception
If an exception is necessary, give it one purpose, one channel, and a clear limit. Offer one practical connection, review, reference, or quiet check-in and let them choose the timing. Make the immediate next step clear enough that the recipient can answer without reconstructing the entire history.
Respond to escalation safely
Do not compare careers, ask intrusive money questions, or send opportunities before asking. Direct legal, immigration, discrimination, financial, or mental health risks to qualified support when needed. You do not need the other person to agree with a boundary for you to follow it consistently.