As a child my parents expected us to always be the best at anything we did ... I sometimes wonder if that is what turned me into a "Perfectionist" who feels compelled to do absolutely everything from housework to my health routine perfectly, without every failing or skipping anything.

When I don't measure up to my own ridiculously high standards, I feel like a complete failure. I know that is not rational, but it is what happens.

Even the house has to always be in perfect condition or I'm concerned about it. I would never leave dishes in the sink or heavens forbid, a bed unmade. My common sense tells me that these things aren't that important, but something inside says otherwise!

I do not judge others by the "rules" that I have for myself. Most of my friends are much less devoted to "perfectionism" than I ... and I wish I could be more like them!

Others have told me that they admire how I have accomplished so much in my life and always seem to have everything "together". They have no idea of how much stress this has caused me and how I wish I could let go of some of it.