Tag Archives: negotiation

Reality Check: Negotiating Differences in a Relationship

Posted on February 26, 2023 by RealityCheck

The seventh and final caring habit in Dr. Glasser’s list of caring habits is “always negotiating disagreements,” which I refer to as negotiating differences. It might seem odd to think of negotiations when we’re talking about personal relationships. Negotiating sounds … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Turn Around

Posted on November 3, 2013 by RealityCheck

Relationships have differences. If those differences aren’t handled well, they can lead to unfortunate consequences: marriage breakup, financial hardship, traumatized children. Differences at work can lead to people quitting or being fired, to stress, anxiety, lost productivity, and lost opportunities. … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Both Sides Now

Posted on June 28, 2013 by RealityCheck

No matter how close two people are, they will have differences. What do we do when we differ? Sometimes we blame: “It’s your fault…” We might try bribery: “If you come home, I’ll let you go fishing.” Or we might … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Criticism—The Great Dissatisfier

Posted on June 2, 2013 by RealityCheck

Do you seek to be the best you can be? Aspiring to excellence is a wonderful motivator. Actions that you take to improve yourself, your work, and your relationships can have a positive impact on your quality of life. Do … Continue reading →

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The Solving Circle

Posted on December 23, 2011 by RealityCheck

Very simple ideas are sometimes the most effective when trying to improve a relationship. One such idea from choice theory that can help with relationship problems is the “solving circle.” The solving circle is an abstract idea, so to make … Continue reading →

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Contradictory Behaviours

Posted on November 18, 2011 by RealityCheck

Do you know anyone who says they want to change, but whose actions lead away from the result they say they want? It happens, and it’s much easier to recognize that behaviour in others than in us. Of course, that … Continue reading →

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What would make it possible?

Posted on September 12, 2011 by RealityCheck

Advertising is a fascinating field. Its usual purpose is to persuade us to do something we might not do otherwise. Often, the goal is to sell, but there can be other goals, too. Advertisers may try to convince us to … Continue reading →

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Communication: The ‘How-to’ of Talking

Posted on August 30, 2011 by RealityCheck

In a quest for a more satisfying (or at least, less irritating) life with his parents, Liam has asked cousin Larry for help. Now, Liam’s wondering if the reason Larry gets along with his parents is because

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The Quality Worlds of a Happy Relationship

Posted on August 30, 2011 by RealityCheck

In a happy, satisfying relationship, the two people involved appear in each other’s “quality worlds.” What’s a quality world?

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External Control vs. Happier Relationships

Posted on August 30, 2011 by RealityCheck

Kristen and Sherri are in the midst of the first dispute of their shared-living arrangement. Kristen is attempting to coerce Sherri into celebrating their first evening in the city

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