Tag Archives: conflict

Reality Check: Presuming Good Intent

If you’re going to make an assumption about someone, it’s more helpful to assume that they have good intent rather than bad. What do you think of that? Let’s eliminate the situations where the assumption of good intent is obviously … Continue reading

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Reality Check: There will always be an Irma

Are there people in your life who bug you? Treat you badly? Is this the story of your life? Sweet little Mary was picked on throughout her first year of school. Her nemesis was Irma, a big girl in a … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Sidestep your Traps

Why do I keep doing that? I should know better by now! That’s the way Sophie beats herself up after conversations with her mother. Why, indeed? The relationship with her mom was never great. Sophie is warm and outgoing, whereas … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Bad News Bearers

“I know you don’t want to hear this but I have to tell you anyway.” Do you ever say (or think) that? You believe that you need to inform somebody of something unpleasant, and they’re not going to like it. … 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: 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: The Little Red Hens

Do you visualize how things should be? For example, do you picture how kids should act? What your spouse should do? How friends should behave? Perhaps you have bigger pictures, such as how the county should progress, how the country … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Pigs, Cows, and Perceptions

A guy is driving down the road minding his own business. An oncoming car approaches; the woman driving rolls down the window and yells: “Pig!” Instantly the guy takes offense! How dare she call me a pig! I wasn’t doing … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Persistent or Stubborn?

Last time, I wrote about constancy of purpose and the importance of having a long-term view to guide your decisions. Why is constancy of purpose important? Because few big goals are achieved quickly and easily. If you want to achieve … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Impulse to Vent

Have you ever felt that frustration has control of you? That you can’t hold back; you have to let it out somehow? If so, how well has that “letting out” worked for you? Venting can feel really good at the … Continue reading

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