"Recovering" Perfectionist

I am a “recovering” perfectionist.  I like things to be just so and will work tirelessly to ensure everything I do is perfect.  (Ask me how many times I revised this post before it got published!).  It drives The-go-with-the-flow-Husband batty when I get into one of my Gotta Get it Right moods.

Motherhood is curing me of perfectionism because really, life with children cannot be lived flawlessly!  Since having babies, I am no longer on time for anything.  My clothes often have stains of some type of food, usually bestowed up on me by a generous child.  And we all know kids are natural mess-makers.  My house is in a perpetual state of disaster unless you are coming over, in which case it all gets stuffed into closets, cupboards, and wherever else I can cram it.  This is to ensure the at least the appearance of perfection, which appeals to the “recovering” side of my personality.

Strangely, I work hardest at appearing picture perfect when I'm getting together with other moms.  When prepping for playgroups, or MOPS, or school functions, I make sure my kids are dressed in clean clothes—coordinating outfits, if I can manage (which is oh, pretty much never!).  Their hair is neatly combed and Cupcake’s ponytail even has a matching ribbon tied in it.  I spend a few moments on my own appearance.  I put on my most reasonably presentable outfit, slap on a little make-up, and try to find socks that match.  

How silly is this and who do I think I am kidding?   Why do I feel a need to appear like my life is a well-oiled machine and oh-so-perfect?  It most certainly is not!  Anyone with children knows it is not that smooth…at least not all the time.  And yet, I try to keep up the facade, hoping nobody catches on.  Ha ha, bet you were fooled!

The irony of being a “recovering” perfectionist is that I want to be recovered completely and, well, perfectly.  I try to maintain the appearance of being laid back and carefree even as things are as well put together as I can manage.  Thus brings the question of whether I am truly "recovering" if I want to do it so impeccably.  Guess not.

(The Husband just said that I am demonstrating the truth of the second word in this post’s title because I keep asking him if this title would be better, or this one or this one...)

Original DC Metro Moms post.

Michelle blogs her perfect thoughts at Wife and Mommy.