Too Perfect

When Being in Control Gets Out of Control

By: Allan E. Mallinger MD, Jeannette De Wyze

Narrated by: Jeannette De Wyze

For many of us, perfectionism can bring life's most desired rewards. But when the obsessive need for perfection and control gets in the way of our professional and emotional lives, the cost becomes too high. Although many of us appear cool and confident on the outside, inside we are in emotional turmoil, trying to satisfy everyone, attempting to direct the future, and feeling that we are failing.

In Too Perfect, Dr. Allan Mallinger draws on 20 years of research and observations from his private practice to show how perfectionism can sap energy, complicate even the simplest decisions, and take the enjoyment out of life. For workaholics or neat freaks, for anyone who fears change or making mistakes, needs rigid rules, is excessively frugal or obstinate, Too Perfect offers revealing self-tests, fascinating case histories, and practical strategies to help us overcome obsessiveness and reclaim our right to happiness.

©1992 Allan E. Mallinger and Jeannette De Wyze (P)2020 Tantor

Eye-opening 1st read on the topic

This book reads like the secret script to my personal behaviors. After listening to this, I realize that I comprehensively have obsessive traits.

A bit mindblown, I cannot offer a better review then saying “provided what I was looking for, as an intro on the topic”

very insightful

lots of information on the topic that finally answered so many questions about OCPD

I feel validated, and attacked... in a good way

I struggled with finding an acceptable book to really learn about OCPD. This is it. it really just... pins me down and makes you say okay. Well now I know why I can't stop and can't let this go and react to this in this manner. I had to order a text copy for my gf because it's just. So on point.

edit: I've given a text copy to my girlfriend to help her understand d my reactions and feelings. I've recommended this to at least 4 people since I heard it and I read the text copy.

My boyfriend is obsessive

It described exactly what happens in our house everyday. He is not all these things, but a lot of them. I want to have empathy for him, but it’s difficult. He doesn’t seem to care that he is negatively affecting our relationship and I have a daughter that I don’t want her to be affected by this behavior. Im going to have him read and then we can assess our relationship. Whatever happens I’m good with it…now

Helpful

This is the type of complimentary book I’ve been looking for to suggest to my OCPD clients and others with related struggles with obsessiveness. Very well done!