Perfectionism

It was never just sensitivity in that typical sense. It was our own version of “enough”, our internal compass pushing us forward when weren't on the map yet.

When I did that research project on teenage life, journal was everything. I ended up with this small pink booklet full of comments, thoughts, and reactions. I still have it. I’ve learned that explanation changes with the listener. A kid, a teen, an adult all hear things differently. I’ve been on both sides of that exchange.

Perfectionists don’t want everything to be perfect. It’s the opposite. They want things to be better when they’re not perfect yet. They give their all. It stings when things aren’t fully said or done, but that moment always comes. And once it does, there’s nothing left to worry about. It’s iterative. It’s a high standard that doesn’t ask too much unless people are used to a facade. Hit that personal point of excellence. A 12 year old had something to say: