Perfectionism is an addiction, meaning we’re repeatedly unable to stop our perfectionist behaviors. Like other addictions, perfectionism varies in severity and can have negative consequences. It can harm our self-esteem, make us unable to accept other people’s differences and their mistakes and flaws, and it can rob us of time with them. We require that things look or are done in a specific, “correct” way in accordance with our perfectionist standards. Some people attempt to perfect their bodies with repeated surgeries or pursue athleticism to the point of injury. Severe perfectionism has also been linked to anorexia, depression, and even suicide.
Here’s Darlene’s insightful article on perfectionism. It discusses how perfectionism relates to shame and self-esteem:
http://www.whatiscodependency.com/perfectionists-codependency-matthew-mcconaughey-chase/
Copyright 2013 @Darlene Lancer – All Rights Reserved
Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT
Author of Codependency for Dummies
You can now preorder: Conquering Shame and Codependency: 8 Steps to Freeing the True You
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