Category Archives: Choosing Behaviour

Reality Check: When We Make A Change

Posted on June 11, 2023 by RealityCheck

The scenario outlined in my recent column on people-pleasing prompted comments from readers who agree—in that situation, it would be helpful if the people-pleaser made some changes. When we’re in a relationship where one person attempts to control the other, … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: What a Gift Can Do

Posted on May 7, 2023 by RealityCheck

Gift-giving occasions are so common that they can seem like an obligatory nuisance or, more cynically, a corporate effort to boost consumerism. However, a thoughtful gift can have a genuine impact. Giving a gift can show that you care. Yet … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: “Good Thing” Accountability

Posted on September 12, 2022 by RealityCheck

Accountability. We know it’s good for us. Yet, it sounds kind of naggy and judgey. Like, “You said you’d do this and now I’m holding you accountable. So ‘fess up; did you do what you said you would do?” It’s … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: The “En” and “Dis” of Courage

Posted on July 17, 2022 by RealityCheck

In Take Charge of Your Life, Dr. William Glasser lists seven relationship-building habits. One of those habits—encouragement—has popped up in these columns numerous times over the years. Notice how “en-courage” and “dis-courage” both involve “courage.” One increases courage; the other … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: The Effect of Small Encouragements

Posted on July 3, 2022 by RealityCheck

Vera is a seasoned citizen, and like every other grown-up, she’s becoming more seasoned by the day! Because she wants this phase of her life be as positive and productive as possible, she’s adopted various practices. Her plan is to … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Auto-Pilot and Conscious Choices

Posted on June 19, 2022 by RealityCheck

The traffic light turns red. We stop. Well, most of us do, anyway. Did the traffic light make us stop? Not really. We could have gone sailing through, possibly causing injury and mayhem. But we choose not to do that … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Step by Step

Posted on May 29, 2022 by RealityCheck

Different people like different things. One clear example is in food preparation. Some people love recipes; others hate recipes. Some of us like to follow procedures; others don’t. If you like procedures, then you might like Dr. Bob Wubbolding’s four-step … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Running for the Roses

Posted on May 23, 2022 by RealityCheck

It’s extraordinary when a little guy—an outsider—unexpectedly wins a big event. This year’s Kentucky Derby was notable for exactly that: a huge 80-1 win by Rich Strike, a horse that just the day before didn’t look like he was going … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Other People’s Choices

Posted on December 12, 2021 by RealityCheck

We make decisions—big and small—throughout our lives. Ideally, we would weigh pros and cons and choose the perfect win-win solution. Reality, however, often presents us with situations that offer no perfect option, yet we must still decide! If you’ve been … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Urgency and Importance

Posted on November 21, 2021 by RealityCheck

As we approach the end of a second unusual year, people are making plans for the holidays. So much is so different now. There are decisions to make about gatherings, purchases, and traditions. How do you decide what to do? … Continue reading →

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