Tag Archives: improving relationships

Reality Check: Starting with Goodwill

Posted on January 5, 2023 by RealityCheck

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 | Comments Off

Reality Check: Technology, For Better or Worse?

Posted on November 6, 2022 by RealityCheck

If you ever have conversations about “the way things are going,” it’s likely that the topic of technology has popped up. Technology plays a big role in our lives. Even if you don’t use tech devices yourself, the fact that … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Perspective | Tagged choosing thoughts, helpful, improving relationships | Comments Off

Reality Check: When Someone Wants to Pick a Fight

Posted on September 18, 2022 by RealityCheck

Do you know someone who wants to pick a fight? Perhaps there’s somebody in your family or at work who wants to argue. Some people enjoy a fight. But the fact that someone wants to fight with you doesn’t mean … Continue reading →

Posted in Control and Choice | Tagged choosing actions, conflict, improving relationships, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: Overcoming Reach-Out Hesitancy

Posted on September 12, 2022 by RealityCheck

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 | Comments Off

Reality Check: Burden or Honour?

Posted on April 11, 2022 by RealityCheck

For some time, Carole has been caring for her mom, Beatrice. Carole is the logical caregiver; others have neither the skills nor the temperament to be able to effectively care for Beatrice. Beatrice is what we might call “a character.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Perspective | Tagged criticism, discouragement, gratitude, improving relationships, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: The Joy and the Sadness of Special Events

Posted on March 27, 2022 by RealityCheck

It’s been customary to mark special occurrences in our lives with events. We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations and other happy occasions. We also mark sad, difficult events with funerals and memorials. So much has changed in just a few … Continue reading →

Posted in Develop Understanding | Tagged "should", choosing actions, examining options, examining wants, improving relationships | Comments Off

Reality Check: Adapting, Changing, and Getting Along

Posted on March 14, 2022 by RealityCheck

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 | Comments Off

Reality Check: Opinions, Beliefs, and Relationships

Posted on February 27, 2022 by RealityCheck

Do you base your opinions on facts? Science? Data? Common Sense? Of course you do. So do I. So, how can it be that we have different opinions about important things? It’s easy enough to accept that we have different … Continue reading →

Posted in Develop Understanding | Tagged choosing thoughts, conflict, improving relationships, learning | Comments Off

Reality Check: To Fill a Caring Gap

Posted on February 13, 2022 by RealityCheck

When we’re not able to satisfy our basic needs, we’re unhappy. So I proposed examining our needs. Find out whether our needs are being met. If not, where are the gaps? You may be thinking, it’s all well and good … Continue reading →

Posted in Belonging | Tagged gratitude, happiness, improving relationships, need satisfaction | Comments Off

Reality Check: More Alike Than Different

Posted on January 24, 2022 by RealityCheck

In his bestseller, “All Things Being Equal,” author John Mighton proposes that widespread math competence could be the key to a better, more just world. What’s your reaction to that? I’m guessing that it might be anywhere from, “Yes, obviously!” … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Perspective | Tagged conflict, criticism, frustration, improving relationships | Comments Off