Tag Archives: conflict

Work: Three Suggestions for Keeping One’s Dignity

In an earlier column, I introduced a retail service worker who had expressed her frustrations with customers, managers, and the public in an open letter to her community. The worker’s perception, in her own words, was “trying to keep one’s … Continue reading

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Work: Keeping One’s Dignity

People who are aware that I have an interest in applying reality therapy techniques to the workplace sometimes send me work-related anecdotes. A recent email about a stressed-out customer service representative

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Communication: The ‘How-to’ of Talking

In a quest for a more satisfying (or at least, less irritating) life with his parents, Liam has asked cousin Larry for help. Now, Liam’s wondering if the reason Larry gets along with his parents is because

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Communication: What’s winning look like?

Tension has been rising in Liam’s family. From Liam’s perspective, he’s simply attempting to control his parents’ “interrogation” into his life by refusing to answer questions. But that hasn’t worked very well—if anything, their questioning has become more vigorous! Inspired … Continue reading

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Communication: You can’t make me talk

Liam is in a power struggle with his parents over his refusal to communicate. From Liam’s perspective, they interrogate him—questioning where he goes, whom he sees, what he does. It’s stifling, and his response up to now has been to … Continue reading

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Communication: What’s the Message?

“If only we could communicate.”  Whether verbal or non-verbal, we communicate to send messages to the people around us. Clearly, some communications are more effective than others. Let’s take a look at Liam, who, according to his parents, is rebellious

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External Control vs. Happier Relationships

Kristen and Sherri are in the midst of the first dispute of their shared-living arrangement. Kristen is attempting to coerce Sherri into celebrating their first evening in the city

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Lessons for Happier Relationships

Marriage is an important relationship, so there’s lots of marital advice available. In the book, Eight Lessons for a Happier Marriage, cowritten with his wife Carleen, Dr. Wm. Glasser offers a “self-study” approach to improving marriage using Choice Theory/Reality Therapy. … Continue reading

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Work: It Wasn’t My Fault…

Henry was ecstatic when he was finally hired. He’d had his eye on this company for a long time; now he’s eager and rarin’ to go.  Henry’s plan is

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A Plan for Now

As we carry on with Joey and Rayne, you may remember that Rayne wants a change in the way her grown son, Joey, interacts with her.  After looking at past activities that have been helpful, Rayne decided to try a … Continue reading

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