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Welcome to Reality Check:
articles and observations inspired by the work of Dr. William GlasserCategories
Tag Archives: improving relationships
Reality Check: The Pep Talk
Could you use a pep talk? When you look around, does it seem that everyone is in festive spirits but you? Whether you are having life-changing struggles or just feeling vaguely uneasy, you may have days when it’s hard to … Continue reading
Posted in Choosing Perspective
Tagged choosing actions, encouragement, improving relationships, perception, self-evaluation
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Reality Check: Finding the Courage to Compliment
Do you feel weird when giving someone a compliment? If so, you’re not alone. I know this because Dan Pink, best-selling motivational author, created a short video on “How to compliment people without feeling like a weasel.” This sounds a … Continue reading
Posted in Relationships
Tagged choosing thoughts, confidence, encouragement, gratitude, improving relationships
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Reality Check: Grumbling and Gratitudes
Has anyone done you wrong at any point in your life? I suspect that it’s a rare person who could answer, “No.” For most, at some point, someone did not treat us well. Have you also noticed that many grievances … Continue reading
Posted in Choosing Perspective
Tagged blame, gratitude, improving relationships, perception
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Reality Check: Disagreements Close to Home
People argue. That’s no surprise; we have different opinions. Discussing opinions can be useful, enlightening, and fun! However, disputes can also be destructive, even permanently damaging relationships. Political and cultural issues—views of entitlements, responsibilities, political correctness, justice—are especially fertile ground … Continue reading
Posted in Relationships
Tagged conflict, examining wants, improving relationships, perception
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Reality Check: The Joy of Diverse Opinions
Wouldn’t it be great if we all agreed? We’d live in peace and harmony! However, to quote Dr. Glasser, “We all want a perfect world populated by perfect people like us, but that world has never existed. If it did, … Continue reading
Posted in Relationships
Tagged choosing thoughts, conflict, criticism, examining wants, improving relationships
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Reality Check: Go, Team
Are you part of a team? If you play sports or belong to a work team, then the answer is easily, “Yes.” You might belong to a less formal association, like a community group where people come together with a … Continue reading
Posted in Relationships
Tagged blame, choosing actions, conflict, criticism, freedom, improving relationships
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Reality Check: The Unexpected Kindness
Asparagus season reminds me of an incident that’s been a helpful example for me over the years. One spring long ago, when the emerging asparagus was at its peak, I had invited some acquaintances for dinner. Among my guests was … Continue reading
Posted in Choosing Perspective
Tagged "should", criticism, encouragement, improving relationships
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Reality Check: Should I Tell My Story?
We could look at our lives as a series of stories. Sometimes we share those stories with others. That story-telling can be helpful, both for the teller and the listener. Some of our stories are happy ones. Those are the … Continue reading
Posted in Relationships
Tagged choosing actions, helpful, improving relationships, offering information
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Reality Check: The Spirit of a Conversation
With limitations on visiting people, how we handle our conversations may matter even more now than during normal times. Why? When we can’t talk face to face, we can’t see expressions or body language. It’s harder to distinguish between a … Continue reading
Posted in Relationships
Tagged choice and control, discouragement, encouragement, improving relationships, perception
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Reality Check: What’s in a Bribe?
When you think of bribery (if you ever do) what comes to mind? Scenes of brown paper bags stuffed with cash, surreptitiously dropped into the hands of corrupt, powerful people? In his book, “Take Charge of Your Life,” Dr. Glasser … Continue reading
Posted in Control and Choice
Tagged "should", improving relationships, internal & external control, motivation
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