Category Archives: Relationships

Reality Check: Random Acts at Home

Random acts of kindness for strangers have been popular for years now. When we do something kind, the likely result is that we feel good and satisfied. We get to perceive ourselves as being a kind and caring person, and … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Does the News Hurt Your Relationships?

There’s almost always an election in season somewhere. A survey asked whether an election has negatively affected a personal relationship with a friend or family member. It wasn’t about a Canadian election. No matter; it’s still an interesting question that … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Out of the Ashes

When good things happen, when our needs and expectations are being met, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to feel satisfied and happy. However, when bad things happen, we’re given the delightful and very useful gift of an opportunity … Continue reading

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Reality Check:The Happiness of Turning Toward

Have I told you lately that I love you? In any series of articles that’s looking to help increase our happiness, you knew that sooner or later, love would have to show up! It’s well-established that an important factor in … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Fear of Being Hurtful

Conflict is a human reality. Whenever two or more people need to interact, there’s an opportunity for conflict. Actually, I’ll take that back. Conflict doesn’t always require two people; there are times when I don’t even agree with myself! So … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Relationships and the Power Need

Last time, I suggested that a marriage where both people have a high need for power and low need for love and belonging may present challenges. However, that doesn’t mean that such a couple is doomed to a life of … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Marriage — Who’s in Charge?

If you’re happily married, you may have an easy, good-humoured response to the question of who’s in charge in your marriage. Did you say, “my wife/husband”? If you’re struggling in your marriage, however, you may also have a quick response … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Building a Happier Marriage

Fundamental to choice theory is its emphasis on our basic human need for love and belonging. One way we attempt to satisfy that need is through marriage. The idea of marriage is great. Two people publicly declare their love and … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Thank you; I accept your offer

Do you find it hard to accept gifts? If you fret about what other people think about you, accepting can be difficult. Gillian has money woes. She lost financial ground after a job loss and went into debt. Although she’s … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Mistake-Proofing for Relationships

Mistakes happen. When you make a mistake, you probably take some kind of action to try to correct it. But wouldn’t it be great if we could prevent mistakes from happening in the first place? Businesses that intend to survive … Continue reading

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