Tag Archives: perception

Everybody picks on Johnny, part 2

Johnny feels picked on. He is sure that he is treated unfairly compared to others. Even worse, he is convinced that it’s the story of his entire life. When I introduced Johnny in an earlier column, I suggested that he … Continue reading

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Everybody Picks on Johnny

“I’d do anything for my child.” If you’re a mom or dad, and even if you aren’t, you can understand that sentiment. You already know that some children, and even some adults, seem to be “picked on” more than others. … Continue reading

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Rain or Shine, Choose to have a good time

We Maritimers have something in common; we’re always aware of the weather. When the sun shines and the birds are singing, everyone smiles; when it’s a (rare) dull, dreary day, it’s common for folks to feel dull and dreary too. … Continue reading

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What’s an Hour?

Having Reality Therapy as my area of interest, it’s natural that people tell me their troubles. And there are plenty of troubles to hear, ranging from the heart-wrenching to the mind-boggling. If I’m asked for advice, I usually respond by

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Work: Three Suggestions for Keeping One’s Dignity

In an earlier column, I introduced a retail service worker who had expressed her frustrations with customers, managers, and the public in an open letter to her community. The worker’s perception, in her own words, was “trying to keep one’s … Continue reading

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Work: Keeping One’s Dignity

People who are aware that I have an interest in applying reality therapy techniques to the workplace sometimes send me work-related anecdotes. A recent email about a stressed-out customer service representative

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Asking, Options, and Conflict

Young Sam is conflicted. He could behave responsibly—and be confined to home to help his sick mother. Or he could be independent—and miserable about abandoning his parents. However, after friend Lisa asked him, “Do your parents want you to stay?” … Continue reading

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Marriage: What is “More Effective” Control?

A foundation of Reality Therapy is that each of us can only control our own behaviour. Relationships improve when people

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Perception and Reality: What’s What?

You know what’s real, right? Your senses connect you to the world; we see sunsets, hear music, and pet the cat. So how can different people look at the same object, person, or event, and

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When Nobody Seems to Care

The world can be a cold and lonely place if you feel that nobody cares about you. The need for love and belonging is one of five basic needs identified by Dr. Wm. Glasser, the originator of Reality Therapy. It’s … Continue reading

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