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Welcome to Reality Check:
articles and observations inspired by the work of Dr. William GlasserCategories
Category Archives: Relationships
Reality Check: Starting with Goodwill
Have you ever had a conversation that somehow went awry? You believe that you spoke clearly and reasonably, but the other person either couldn’t or wouldn’t understand. Frustrating, isn’t it? When we speak, we want to be heard and understood. … Continue reading
Posted in Relationships
Tagged choosing thoughts, improving relationships, perception
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Reality Check: When You Need To Say No
Somewhere, sometime, someone is going to ask you for something. They may ask for your time, your help, your money. You want to say “No.” There are many valid reasons to decline. Maybe you feel stretched too thin. Maybe you … Continue reading
Posted in Relationships
Tagged "should", anxiety, conflict, making choices
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Reality Check: Overcoming Reach-Out Hesitancy
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
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Reality Check: Adapting, Changing, and Getting Along
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
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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
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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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