How can I set personal-time boundaries when my partner unloads work stress?

[JasonRJ]

I'm in a long-term relationship that's generally good, but I've realized I struggle with setting and maintaining healthy relationship boundaries, especially around personal time and emotional support. My partner tends to unload work stress the moment they get home, and I often cancel my own plans to be available, which leads to resentment. I want to address this without causing conflict or seeming uncaring. For those who have navigated similar dynamics, how did you initiate a conversation about needing more space or different communication patterns? What specific language or framing helped your partner understand it wasn't a rejection? How do you consistently enforce these boundaries without guilt, especially when your partner is genuinely distressed?