Perfectionism is the perfect mask.
It creates a wall between us and others that is nearly impossible to break
down. If I am building the wall, I will choose to be a perfectionist about the
things that I am best at. I can appear to be in control (and I think I am), I
can be better than others (because I learned early on to divide the world into
two categories: those who are good enough and those who aren't). I instantly
know how to deal with others. If you are perfect also, then I am right. If you are not perfect then I am right. Life is perfect; I'm always right. I never
have to deal with my fears and I never address any inadequacies I might have
hidden deep inside.
Laurie Clarcq on her blog: http://blog.heartsforteaching.com/2011/01/09/the-great-enemy.aspx