[winterglen]

I am obsessed with perfectionism, but I cannot call myself a perfections. That would only get me ridicule and condemnation. "You? But you're a loser who doesn't do anything." Believe me, I know I am not good enough to be a perfectionist. But I wish I were.

I read so many books and articles about perfectionists: girls who do everything well. They seem to have wonderful lives. Everyone thinks they are wonderful people and they deserve good things. They never have anyone look at them with disgust or disapproval or call them stupid or lazy.

I want a life like that. I want to have the confidence and opportunities that they have. I hate being the only student in my class who doesn't understand what's going on. I hate having everyone reminding me that I'm never going to have the things that other people have, because I'm not trying hard enough. I want to deserve to be liked and respected. I want to know that I deserve to be liked and respected like the perfectionists do.

I know it sounds like I'm over romanticizing, that perfectionists' lives aren't that wonderful. I just find it hard to believe. Their lives may not be perfect, but I'm sure that theirs are better than mine. I don't hold it against them. It's not their fault they made smarter choices than I had.

Maybe I'll come to terms with this someday. That's my only choice at this point.

[the abyss]

' imperfection is perfection '.
a friend of mine is a multi millionaire through hard work and oh yes being imperfect.
shock , horror his life is imperfect as well !
the philosopher who studies ' happiness ' has said that those that seek perfection are the most unhappy, as perfection is a perception.
take care

[SeekerOfLife]

I used to be a perfectionist. That just means you want everything perfect. It does not mean you think you are perfect. After years of being like this, I eventually realized I was not ever going to get "there". So, I let myself off the hook.

[dannyanton]

I think there's only a very fine difference between being a perfectionist and having high standards. Perfectionists are usually constantly unhappy (because perfectionism is impossible) whereas those with high standards are able to take a great deal of satisfaction in their work.

If you can re-channel that perfectionist energy into having high standards you'll be much happier.

Just my thoughts.