Perfectionism/Neat Freak gene: A gift, or a curse?

If you are like me, you know what I'm talking about. Things bug you. The paper on the table, the water stains on the steel toaster, fingerprints on the fridge handle, shopping with out a list, or a plan. And, if you are like me, you probably get that sick feeling when someone shows up at your house; unannounced. Don't get me wrong. This can be a very good thing. If you are the type of person who usually has it together, it can be a great gift. It is a gift to make a home beautiful and relaxing for yourself, and anyone who may enter. There is nothing wrong with being organized, being able to find things when you need them. Having things neat and pleasant. However, it can drive you crazy. If you are like me, then sometimes this "need" to have things in their places, and to have surroundings that look like Better Homes and Gardens clippings, can cause way more stress than tranquility. If left unchecked, this compulsiveness can make you grumpy, stressed out, tired, anxious, even depressed. Also, people who are perfectionists, are more likely not to do anything if they know the out come will not be perfect, will not stay neat very long, or that they will not be able to finish the task then. If you constantly let "things" bother you, you will NEVER be happy. I understand people like you, I know how you feel. On days when the house is cluttered, and you get to town and don't have your list, and your lasagna didn't turn out just right, you feel like the walls are closing in on you. You are stressed and feel like a failure. All of a sudden, the clutter in the house seems to be seriously incapacitating you mentally. It is not a pretty picture, am I right? But I do like the feeling of a job well done. At the end of the day, when chores are done, the house is in order and things went rather smoothly, it gives me a peaceful, happy feeling. And no, everything is never all done at the same time. But, on days when it seems almost perfect, or even pretty good, it makes me ecstatic. On days when it is less, I have learned to take a deep breath, and let it go. After all, the good things in this life are time with friends and family, watching a thunderstorm, playing games, puppy kisses, flowers, cheesecake and such. So to sum it all up; If you are like me, embrace your gift, but don't let it rob you of joy in simple things either.