Author Archives: RealityCheck

Reality Check: The Caring Habit of Listening

Posted on January 29, 2023 by RealityCheck

We have many kinds of relationships. Some we choose, such as with our friends. Others are created through work, volunteering, or other connections. All of our relationships may not be chosen, but they can still be cooperative and functional. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: The Caring Habit of Listening

Reality Check: Encouragement as a Caring Habit

Posted on January 22, 2023 by RealityCheck

In a world where it can feel that we have little control over so much, it’s helpful to recognize what we can control—especially when it has a significant effect on our quality of life. The care and nurturing of relationships … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Encouragement as a Caring Habit

Reality Check: The Caring Habit of Support

Posted on January 15, 2023 by RealityCheck

Unsatisfying relationships are at the heart of many unsatisfied lives. Good relationships are essential, but how do we get them? Is it luck? Accident? We see plenty of appeals to “be kind.” Will that do the trick? In “Take Charge … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged | Comments Off on Reality Check: The Caring Habit of Support

Reality Check: Starting with Goodwill

Posted on January 5, 2023 by RealityCheck

Have you ever had a conversation that somehow went awry? You believe that you spoke clearly and reasonably, but the other person either couldn’t or wouldn’t understand. Frustrating, isn’t it? When we speak, we want to be heard and understood. … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Starting with Goodwill

Reality Check: Make Something Good Happen

Posted on January 5, 2023 by RealityCheck

The transition from one year to the next often motivates us to make a change, preferably for the better. Maybe you want to set out on a new adventure or improve a relationship. Holidays often include opportunities to get together. … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal Freedom | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Make Something Good Happen

Reality Check: When You Need To Say No

Posted on January 5, 2023 by RealityCheck

Somewhere, sometime, someone is going to ask you for something. They may ask for your time, your help, your money. You want to say “No.” There are many valid reasons to decline. Maybe you feel stretched too thin. Maybe you … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: When You Need To Say No

Reality Check: The Reality of Tradeoffs

Posted on December 18, 2022 by RealityCheck

Choices often require tradeoffs—we give up one thing to have another. We do this so frequently that we’re often not aware of it. For example, if you’ve driven around today, then you made a tradeoff. You traded off the safety … Continue reading →

Posted in Control and Choice | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: The Reality of Tradeoffs

Reality Check: And the Word of the Year is…

Posted on December 11, 2022 by RealityCheck

Each year, Merriam-Webster—the dictionary people—declare a “Word of the Year” based on data about how frequently words were looked up. For 2022, the word is “gaslighting.” If you’re not familiar with gaslighting, Merriam-Webster defines it as “the act or practice … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Perspective | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: And the Word of the Year is…

Reality Check: Your Unknown Impact

Posted on December 4, 2022 by RealityCheck

Do you know the impact of your life on others? Some people get direct feedback on their actions. For example, if you are in a workplace, you know what happens if you don’t show up for work. If you perform … Continue reading →

Posted in Perception & Reality | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Your Unknown Impact

Reality Check: So What If I’m Rejected?

Posted on November 27, 2022 by RealityCheck

Self-evaluation in choice theory encourages us to honestly ask, “Is what I’m doing working well for me?” If things are going well, we would likely choose to continue. If they’re not, we might make a change. Does that seem like … Continue reading →

Posted in Perception & Reality | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: So What If I’m Rejected?