When Jason and Marcus visit their 82-year old grandmother, they ask how she has been. "I guess there are things that could be better, but overall I’m quite happy and very pleased" she says. According to our course readings, This happy woman is demonstrating a very positive sense of well-being.

Does this sound good? hey great britain, we need to talk. we’ve been through a lot these past couple of years and i don’t think that i would’ve made it this far without you but, i think it’s time that i tried to. don’t get me wrong, i think you’re a pretty great country! you’re smart, you’re funny, you're rich, and very dominant but, these past couple of years you’ve been a little too dominant. as each year goes by you become more and more self-absorbed. you’re only concerned about your own well-being. for example, when we get into arguments you always raise the taxes on paper and tea prices; it just isn’t fair. not only are you selfish but, you always want your buddies around. it’s not very fun cleaning up after you and your british soldiers (you guys never put the toilet seat down). they’re always popping up unexpected, and you always force me to let them stay for a couple of days. not to mention how irresponsible you are. i don’t like it when you force some of your responsibility on me. it’s not my fault that you got yourself into another war so, why should i have to pay for it? listen, in the beginning, what we had was good but, you and i aren’t so compatible anymore. i think it’s best if i took some time to be independent and think for myself for once. -yours truly, the states

Janette goes into an electronics superstore to buy a new computer. the salesperson works with her to find the right model, and she agrees to buy a new computer for $500 and a floor-model 18-inch monitor for $100. just when she is ready to pay, the salesperson walks away for a minute and then comes back to inform her that the monitor she was ready to purchase can't be sold for < $125. she agrees to the extra $25 even though they had initially agreed on the $100 selling price. janette has fallen for the technique of gaining compliance.

Jane is a new therapist who works with couples and families. her decision was motivated by her sister melinda’s experience of spousal abuse. when jane meets with her supervisor to review cases, he points out that jane takes sides with her female clients when they cry or describe intense conflicts with their husbands. she believes her supervisor is blind to the signs of abuse. what critical thinking pitfall do jane’s reactions show?