Category Archives: Relationships

Reality Check: Overcoming Reach-Out Hesitancy

Posted on September 12, 2022 by RealityCheck

Even when our lives are going poorly, it’s still possible to feel satisfied if we have good connections with people. Dr. Wm. Glasser refers to a basic need for love and belonging. While he suggests that the need is universal, … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged choosing actions, encouragement, improving relationships, need satisfaction | Comments Off

Reality Check: Adapting, Changing, and Getting Along

Posted on March 14, 2022 by RealityCheck

Change. Does it seem to you that we’ve been experiencing constant change? Both the viral disease and responses to the threat of that disease have brought changes that affect millions of people. Into this ever-changing environment now comes what? More … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged "should", anxiety, blame, conflict, improving relationships, offering information, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: A Real Gift

Posted on December 26, 2021 by RealityCheck

Gift-giving is top of mind for many people at this time of year. While the unusual circumstances of the last two years may have changed some perspectives about what is important, gift purchases are still common. We buy products or … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged blame, choosing influences, conflict, criticism, examining wants | Comments Off

Reality Check: Finding the Courage to Compliment

Posted on December 19, 2021 by RealityCheck

Do you feel weird when giving someone a compliment? If so, you’re not alone. I know this because Dan Pink, best-selling motivational author, created a short video on “How to compliment people without feeling like a weasel.” This sounds a … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged choosing thoughts, confidence, encouragement, gratitude, improving relationships | Comments Off

Reality Check: Do You Feel Appreciated?

Posted on November 28, 2021 by RealityCheck

Knowing that we are genuinely appreciated is satisfying. From a choice theory perspective, we might say that appreciation satisfies our need for power, recognition, esteem. Regardless of how we analyze it, appreciation feels good. I sincerely hope that you have … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged "should", choosing thoughts, discouragement, unhappiness | Comments Off

Reality Check: Lost for Words?

Posted on November 15, 2021 by RealityCheck

Some people instinctively know the right thing to say in difficult situations. And then there are the rest of us; we who struggle to find words when the going gets tough. Sadness, illness or loss will likely visit us and … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged anxiety, basic needs, choosing actions, helpful | Comments Off

Reality Check: Disagreements Close to Home

Posted on August 22, 2021 by RealityCheck

People argue. That’s no surprise; we have different opinions. Discussing opinions can be useful, enlightening, and fun! However, disputes can also be destructive, even permanently damaging relationships. Political and cultural issues—views of entitlements, responsibilities, political correctness, justice—are especially fertile ground … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged conflict, examining wants, improving relationships, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: The Joy of Diverse Opinions

Posted on August 8, 2021 by RealityCheck

Wouldn’t it be great if we all agreed? We’d live in peace and harmony! However, to quote Dr. Glasser, “We all want a perfect world populated by perfect people like us, but that world has never existed. If it did, … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged choosing thoughts, conflict, criticism, examining wants, improving relationships | Comments Off

Reality Check: Go, Team

Posted on June 6, 2021 by RealityCheck

Are you part of a team? If you play sports or belong to a work team, then the answer is easily, “Yes.” You might belong to a less formal association, like a community group where people come together with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged blame, choosing actions, conflict, criticism, freedom, improving relationships | Comments Off

Reality Check: The Companions on our Journey

Posted on March 28, 2021 by RealityCheck

If you associate Pythagoras with unhappy high-school math memories, then you might be surprised to find a quote attributed to him about friendship and happiness. Here it is: “Friends are as companions on a journey, who ought to aid each … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged encouragement, gratitude, happiness, persistence | Comments Off