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articles and observations inspired by the work of Dr. William GlasserCategories
Category Archives: Relationships
Reality Check: If Romeo and Juliet knew Choice Theory…
Great romances can make for great drama, and the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet pretty much takes the cake for drama, complexity, and unfortunate outcome. Drama occurs in present-day romances too,
Posted in Relationships
Tagged conflict, making choices
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The Solving Circle
Very simple ideas are sometimes the most effective when trying to improve a relationship. One such idea from choice theory that can help with relationship problems is the “solving circle.” The solving circle is an abstract idea, so to make … Continue reading
Posted in Marriage
Tagged conflict, improving relationships, negotiation
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Love, Belonging, and Compatibility
The idea of love & belonging goes naturally with any discussion of compatibility, doesn’t it? After all, isn’t that why couples become couples: to satisfy their need for love & belonging? However, in choice theory, the strength of the love … Continue reading
Posted in Marriage
Tagged improving relationships, need satisfaction, unhappiness
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Compatibility and Power
Continuing our discussion of compatibility and needs, let’s look at power. The word “power” can have negative connotations, but everyone has some need for it. In choice theory, power refers to the perfectly natural need for appreciation and recognition: knowing … Continue reading
Posted in Marriage
Tagged conflict, improving relationships, need satisfaction
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Survival, Security, and Compatibility
Compatibility is associated with our levels of basic needs, so when you choose a partner with the hope of living happily ever after, it’s helpful to have some idea of need levels. Let’s consider compatibility and its connection to survival/security. … Continue reading
Posted in Marriage
Tagged improving relationships, need satisfaction
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What Makes Couples Compatible?
Is there someone for everyone? While Choice Theory doesn’t answer that question, it does propose an answer for why some couples are more compatible than others. So whether you are in a relationship, considering a relationship, or questioning why a … Continue reading
Posted in Marriage
Tagged improving relationships, need satisfaction
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Is it Nagging? Or Informing?
“Honey, would you take out the trash?” “Honey, please take out the trash.” “Honey, Why do I have to keep telling you? The trash! The trash!”
Posted in Relationships
Tagged conflict, improving relationships, making choices
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The Unspoken Bargain
Have you ever entered into a bargain without realizing it? Alice did, and now she’s getting a daily dose of frustration from an arrangement she thought would be to her benefit. Here’s her story.
Posted in Relationships
Tagged examining wants, internal & external control, making choices
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The Friendship Agenda
Is there an agenda for friendship? The term “agenda” is so often used negatively (as in “hidden agenda”) that the idea of a friendship agenda might seem cold or even devious. An agenda, though, is just a plan; whether it’s … Continue reading
Posted in Relationships
Tagged improving relationships, internal & external control
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Matchmaking Disconnections
Caring, connecting behaviours contribute to the level of satisfaction in a relationship. So, choosing a mate who trusts you, supports you, encourages you, and respects you is likely to result in a more satisfying relationship than choosing one who doesn’t. … Continue reading
Posted in Relationships
Tagged examining wants, need satisfaction, win-win
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