Boundaries are not about being difficult. They are usually what make a freelance relationship easier to manage and easier to trust.
Put the rules into the process
Response times, communication channels, revision limits, payment terms, and working hours all get easier when they live in your workflow instead of in your mood.
Consistency matters more than intensity
Calm clear boundaries repeated over time usually work better than occasional hard resets after frustration builds.
Bottom line
Better freelance boundaries make the work feel more professional for both sides, not less friendly.