Who is a perfectionist? How to deal with a perfectionist family member?

 Perfectionist is one who wants everything to be done perfectly. He or she cannot adapt to situations and finds it difficult to cope with changes. They continue with their obsession with perfectionism. But what is it like to have a partner or a family member who is a perfectionist? Well it can be really difficult to live with such a person. What are the likely problems and how to overcome them?

Characteristics of a perfectionist

Perfectionist is rigid and wants all steps of s process to be done completely and perfectly. Hence the to this obsession with perfectionism they can be very demanding and dominating. They would want to control the whole place and not give in. They are critical of even simple things of lives. Hence they are never happy with anyone's work. They themselves are workaholics and expect everyone to be so. 

But every person has his or her own stamina and threshold for work. When a perfectionist wants perfection not everyone can do. The displeasure leads to conflicts. There could be arguments and emotional overtones with hurt feelings. The whole atmosphere turns foul and may not be conducive for work. This can ruin and strain relations.

How to deal with a perfectionist member?

One needs to tackle the whole situation well. Communication should be improved. Realistic expectations should be aimed and there has to be some compromise both sides. 

1. Try to understand each other. Communicate more for better comprehension of the other's behavior.

2. Be patient and lend a ear to what the other hand to say. 

3. Do not take things, comments and criticism too deeply or personally. The perfectionist I'd dealing with anxiety and needs help. 

4. Stand for yourself and put up limits and boundaries.

5. Share your own feelings and let the perfectionist know what hurt you. 

6. Make changes slowly with proper explanation.

7. Provide polite feedbacks.

8. Do not stress on negatives and praise good changes in them.

9. Allow the person to enjoy work and have fun.

10. Explain on more than one way to do things.

11. Try to segregate work and alternate it with each other.

12. Love should continue and be unconditional.

13. Point out progress in the person in overcoming perfectionism. 

Read here on National Divorce Day!