Category Archives: Relationships

Reality Check: Not Every Battle

When Marie met Darcy, she immediately fell in love with his kind heart. Darcy never said no to any good cause, and as there are plenty of good causes, his practical skills and good nature kept him in high demand. … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Facebook Envy?

Progress has given us enhanced opportunities to connect with each other. Whereas a phone call could be perceived as an interruption, email (much like an old-fashioned letter!) can be read at leisure. Social networks, such as facebook, contribute another interesting … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Speak up or stand down?

We each have our special qualities, yet groups of us share characteristics, such as whether one is an introvert or extravert. In her book, “Gifts Differing,” Isabel Briggs Myers states that there are more extraverts than introverts, with extraverts being … Continue reading

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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,

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!” 

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