For those who like things just so...

Which kind of perfectionist are you?

A recent New York Times article talks about the dangers of perfectionism: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/04/health/04mind.html?8dpc

"Some researchers divide perfectionists into three types, based on answers to standardized questionnaires:

• Self-oriented strivers who struggle to live up to their high standards and appear to be at risk of self-critical depression
• Outwardly focused zealots who expect perfection from others, often ruining relationships
• Those desperate to live up to an ideal they're convinced others expect of them, a risk factor for suicidal thinking and eating disorders."

The article also says: "Unlike people given psychiatric labels, however, perfectionists neither battle stigma nor consider themselves to be somehow dysfunctional."

Dysfunctional? And I always thought perfectionism was an asset! Guess I better watch myself for signs of being self-critical, expecting perfection from others, and trying to live up to someone else's ideal...

Not sure if you're a perfectionist? Take the test: http://psychologytoday.psychtests.com/tests/perfectionism_access.html