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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: 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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Reality Check: The Five Second Rule
Do you know the five second rule? Maybe it’s the ten second rule. Either way, it’s the rule/myth that when a piece of food hits the floor, it’s still edible if it’s picked up right away. You know, of course, … Continue reading
Posted in Relationships
Tagged blame, conflict, happiness, improving relationships
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Reality Check: To Speak or to Avoid?
Illnesses, losses and tragedies happen. When you know someone who is experiencing a significant difficulty, it can be hard to know what to say. How do you react when you see that person coming down the sidewalk? Do you think, … Continue reading
Posted in Helping Others
Tagged anxiety, encouragement, helpful, improving relationships
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