I propose starting a new self-help group
called-Perfectionists Anonymous—PA for short. Those attending the meetings
could call ourselves Recovering Perfectionists—RP’s for short.
Can’t you visualize the meeting in your
mind’s eye? It goes something like this:
Scene:
a local fellowship hall.
The refreshment table is covered with
a dark green linen tablecloth, adorned with two or three color-coordinated
platters of cookies and a beautiful pink and green centerpiece. Coffee and tea served from stylish silver carafes
by the hosting members. (What else would
perfectionists do when hosting a meeting?)
The meeting is called to order by an
impeccably-dressed chairperson who asks for volunteers to share their struggles
with perfectionism.
Being serious about recovering from my
own perfectionism, I stand and say, “Hello, my name is Carolyn and I’m a
Recovering Perfectionist.”
“Hello, Carolyn,” the group replies.
I continue my confession. “I don’t
know when I first became a perfectionist. Maybe it goes back to my childhood
when I felt compelled to get straight A’s in school so that I’d feel worthy of
my family’s love. And ever since then I have to fight these urges to do
everything just perfectly.”
From across the room I hear a couple
of ladies whispering and I just can’t stand it.
“Excuse me!” I say and glare in their
direction. “It seems some people have forgotten their audience manners here.
Would you ladies please have the courtesy to listen while I share my
struggles?” I force the words through gritted teeth.
Realizing I’ve slipped off the
recovery track, I stop abruptly to apologize. “Oh, please forgive me! I am
really struggling with my perfectionism today.”
Then I sit down, humiliated by my outburst as several people try to
comfort me by telling me they understand my struggles.
I
think PA meetings would be well attended as there are lots of perfectionists in
this world. Many of us are also trying to overcome this malady and can use the
help of those who understand this condition.
It
just seems to me that perfectionists would welcome a self-help group. After all, being the perfectionists we are, we
would know the best way to handle things to recover from the malady, don’t you
think?
I
am happy to report that I am making some good progress in my recovery. How do I know this? Well, here are a few
examples of my successes:
☺
I
can let dirty dishes set in the sink for a couple of hours before I’m compelled
to wash them.
☺
I
can wear the same blouse twice before putting it in the wash.
☺
I
can go a whole week without dragging out the vacuum to do the floor.
☺
I
can sleep in until 8:30 or 9:00 AM without feeling a need to be “up and at ‘em.”
☺
I
can play computer games for an hour and not worry about wasting my time.
I
am being rather successful with my battle against perfectionism, don’t you
think? Therefore, I can probably be a good help to other perfectionists who
wish to get into a recovery mode.
Do you struggle with perfectionism
too? Well, fear not! No doubt you’ll soon
find a PA Meeting popping near you. YOU are not alone. Perfectionists of the
world, there is hope! Join
Perfectionists Anonymous now! It’s time
to recover!
