To need a reality check

[Mumma301]

Didn’t know how else to put this. I’ve developed an unhealthy obsession with house perfection. To the point that any time I tidy or decorate, instead of appreciating how nice it looks, all I can notice is what else needs doing/ is a mess.

I know it’s mental. I’ve got a dog and two very small, mad children. But I just can’t let go of striving for this unattainable goal of the “perfect” house. Everything on inst or Facebook makes it look so normal to have a perfect home. All my friends homes look gorgeous, uncluttered and tidy. I never see any “real” houses with mess or clutter.

Where can I get a good dose of normality? I haven’t got the money, energy or sanity to carry on with this obsession but I can’t let it go. I know I’m mad, but be gentle with me 🤦🏻‍♀️

Sounds like you need to get yourself off social media for a bit. . .

Maybe you’re getting paranoid about all the cleaning you’d have to do in future if you let it pile up that you want to get on top of it right away? That is, maybe it’s not the being perfect you’re addicted to but instead you’re avoiding the anxiety of having a mess to clean up later?

Instagram is so bad for this! No one ever shows you the junky cupboard where they’ve shoved the mess while they take the photo, or the kitchen in chaos while they film a serene living room shot.

I would try limiting yourself on SM - set up your phone so you can only access the sites for a short amount of time per day. See if that helps ease the obsession!

Watch 'Hoarders' on channel 5 and then feel thankful for your tidy house!

I feel like this but I often find that when you go beyond someone’s lovely sitting room there’s a very messy space somewhere where stuff has been shoved. Before people come over I make sure downstairs looks good but my room will have all the stuff in it and if people come over unexpectedly it won’t look so good.