Ask Rhonda - OCD
Dear Rhonda,
I am OCD about clealiness and perfect order for my horses, barn and the farm grounds. I can not ride or simply enjoy the company of my six horses before all is perfect in all aspects. I have tried - again and again to just relax and go forward with training, but all I do is stare at what needs to be done. I have even hired a few people to assist me but the outcome is never the result that I expect. So, in your opinion, what should I do?
JP
Dear JP,
I have a very close friend who suffers from the same obsession of order and tidiness. I bet you’re the type of person who has decorative towels hanging in your bathroom and that your head would explode if someone accidentally used them. Trust me JP, I know you better than you you know yourself. I had a similar situation on the early 1990’s but my demons told me to steal Tampax and candy bars from Duane Reade. Lets just leave it at that and move on. back to you…
Without being judgmental JP, you are a bit crackers. But that’s OK. Some of my best friends and the most interesting people I know are crackers too. The bad news from this situation is that you can’t make the feelings go away completely. You will suffer with this for the rest of your life (as will those around you). It’s just who you are. You are just wound way too tight.
But, the good news is that there are a few things you can do to help silence the demons roaming through your head constantly telling you to clean. First off, get yourself laid more often. I bet it’s been at least two years. No one this uptight has a descent sex life. Secondly, get yourself a therapist and see him/her at last once a week (make sure its the kind of therapist who can dispense Xanax). Third and most importantly, make sure to send Rhonda three of those Xanax pills per week (preferably 5 mg each). It ain’t easy fielding questions from crazy people…
Good luck,
Rhonda
Tags: feature
Jean Dover — October 23, 2009 @ 2:35 pm
Dearest Rhonda,
I always get a kick out of reading your latest advise to the needy.
This time you hit close to home. I won’t mention the name of my son, but his initials are Robert Dover. Mr.compulsorily clean.
I always taught our children to use the towels in the cabinet, and leave the decorative ones for company.
Herb & I were GUESTS, I thought, in one of his first homes. Considering myself that, I made the mistake of using a decorative towel displayed on a large rack. When he walked by later he said, “Mom didn’t you teach us to use the towels in the cabinet, and save the others for guests?” Excuse me! My mistake was considering myself a guest in his house. These days I see he makes it very clear what is to be used by us mere mortals, and even strangers better notice the paper towels left for their use.
Thanks for letting me vent.
Love,
Roberts Mom