Tag Archives: criticism

Reality Check: What you see is what you get

Posted on April 13, 2019 by RealityCheck

WYSIWYG, pronounced “whizzywig,” means, “What you see is what you get.” I know the phrase from the olden days of computers—back when it was a big deal to have the display on the screen actually reflect what was printed. Computer … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Behaviour | Tagged "should", criticism, examining wants, improving relationships | Comments Off

Reality Check: Caution! Mindreading While Listening

Posted on March 10, 2019 by RealityCheck

When doing an important task, it works best if you concentrate fully on that one task while you are doing it. For example, you and I both know better than to text while driving. Driving is an important task, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Perspective | Tagged blame, choosing thoughts, conflict, criticism, helpful, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: The Critic

Posted on March 3, 2019 by RealityCheck

Do you detect that there’s a lot of criticism in your life? If so, how does it feel to be criticized? Are you grateful to have the errors of your ways pointed out to you? Or not so much? When … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Perspective | Tagged "should", choosing influences, confidence, criticism | Comments Off

Reality Check: Lost for Words?

Posted on June 24, 2018 by RealityCheck

Do you know the “scolded puppy” feeling? If not, picture this: You’re in a conversation, and you perceive that you’re being criticized and misunderstood. Your opponent is using clever words and making excellent points. You have no response. So you … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal Freedom | Tagged "should", criticism, need satisfaction, offering information | Comments Off

Reality Check: Sidestep your Traps

Posted on September 10, 2017 by RealityCheck

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 →

Posted in Control and Choice | Tagged conflict, criticism, freedom, perception, power | Comments Off

Reality Check: Joe’s New Job

Posted on August 7, 2016 by RealityCheck

Joe’s employment history could be described as “spotty.” It’s not that he can’t find work; Joe is able to get hired relatively easily. He’s articulate and presents himself in an interview as being pleasant and intelligent. However, Joe has developed … Continue reading →

Posted in Workplace | Tagged comparing with others, criticism, examining wants, making choices, self-evaluation | Comments Off

Reality Check: Better Left Unsaid?

Posted on August 9, 2015 by RealityCheck

Communication is generally recognized as being essential to the development of satisfying relationships. I’m not just talking about romantic relationships here. All kinds of relationships: friends, work-related, parent-child, student-teacher, benefit when people can communicate effectively. Did you notice the word … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged criticism, frustration, improving relationships | Comments Off

Reality Check: The Angry Stance

Posted on June 7, 2015 by RealityCheck

Do you have an automatic mode? That is, do you wake up feeling pretty much the same every day? Is your first reaction to a situation more or less the same, despite whether the situation is positive or negative? Some … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Behaviour | Tagged "should", criticism, dissatisfaction, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: Their Good News

Posted on March 8, 2015 by RealityCheck

How do you respond when someone tells you their good news? In his book Flourish, Martin Seligman describes four ways of responding, and suggests that only one of those ways is helpful for relationship building. Let’s look at an example. … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged criticism, happiness, improving relationships | Comments Off

Reality Check: “Should” versus “Could”

Posted on January 11, 2015 by RealityCheck

One little word sometimes makes a world of difference, doesn’t it? Some are obvious contrasts: “I love you” versus “I hate you;” or “I don’t care” versus “I do care.” However, other small changes are not so obvious, yet have … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Behaviour | Tagged "should", criticism, guilt, self-evaluation | Comments Off