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Welcome to Reality Check:
articles and observations inspired by the work of Dr. William GlasserCategories
Category Archives: Relationships
Reality Check: A Real Gift
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
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Reality Check: Finding the Courage to Compliment
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
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Reality Check: Do You Feel Appreciated?
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
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Reality Check: Lost for Words?
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
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Reality Check: Disagreements Close to Home
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
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Tagged conflict, examining wants, improving relationships, perception
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Reality Check: The Joy of Diverse Opinions
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
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Reality Check: Go, Team
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
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Reality Check: The Companions on our Journey
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
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Reality Check: Should I Tell My Story?
We could look at our lives as a series of stories. Sometimes we share those stories with others. That story-telling can be helpful, both for the teller and the listener. Some of our stories are happy ones. Those are the … Continue reading
Posted in Relationships
Tagged choosing actions, helpful, improving relationships, offering information
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Reality Check: The Spirit of a Conversation
With limitations on visiting people, how we handle our conversations may matter even more now than during normal times. Why? When we can’t talk face to face, we can’t see expressions or body language. It’s harder to distinguish between a … Continue reading
Posted in Relationships
Tagged choice and control, discouragement, encouragement, improving relationships, perception
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