I grew up believing that perfection was the only way to gain approval and feel safe. Every item in my room had to be aligned just right, every deadline met without fail, and every mistake felt like a personal failure. It wasn’t until adulthood that I realized these behaviors went far beyond simple neatness or discipline. They were signs of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)—an unyielding drive toward order and control that had slowly taken over my life.

In Living with OCPD: My Journey from Rigid Perfection to Balanced Living, I open up about how this condition affected my relationships, my work, and my well-being. Sharing the struggles and small victories along the way, I show how therapy, self-reflection, and daily coping strategies helped me step away from the anxiety-inducing grip of absolute perfection. From adopting a gentler morning routine to learning how to communicate more openly with friends and loved ones, every chapter reveals the practical steps that guided me toward healthier habits.

This is my story of recognizing my limits, embracing imperfections, and discovering that life can be far richer when I allow space for spontaneity. If you’re battling relentless standards or supporting someone who is, I hope my experiences will offer reassurance, clarity, and a renewed sense that balance is truly achievable—even for those of us who once found safety only in rigid order.