Thought this was a real good read.

The Curse of Perfectionism By Dr. John H. Sklare Monday, June 5, 2006 All right, let's take roll call. All of you who are perfectionists please take one step forward. Just as I thought - there are quite a few of you I see. My findings reveal that 51% of all overweight individuals have a serious problem with perfectionism regarding weight control. A perfectionist is someone who brings an unrealistic attitude to weight management and lifestyle change. They have an "all or nothing" mindset when it comes to managing their eating and health. Perfectionists expect the impossible of themselves. That is - to be perfect. The typical weight loss pattern for a perfectionist is once you vary from your program, even slightly, you abandon the whole thing. For example, let's say you have followed your program perfectly for a couple of weeks when, in a moment of weakness, you eat a piece of cake. Now, because you are a perfectionist you don't just chalk this up as a minor slip and get back on the program. Noooooo wayyyy! Being a perfectionist, you equate a minor slip with total failure. And since you have already failed, why not eat the rest of the cake and, of course, what's cake without ice cream. You see how this pattern develops? This is how perfectionistic thinking sabotages your best efforts at weight control. Since no one is perfect, this "all or nothing" mentality dooms you to failure before you even begin. When you equate a "minor slip" with total failure you have no chance of succeeding. Perfectionism in weight control is a built-in guarantee of failure. The antidote for perfectionism begins with awareness. Becoming aware that this is an issue for you is step one, and step two demands that you then learn how to incorporate some reality and flexibility into your program. So I ask you today...Are you a perfectionist? Wishing You Great Health! Dr. John H. Sklare

So that's what the problem is, When I used to be in the work force I was a perfectionist in my job. And what you described is exactly how I always did my dieting! Wow!

yeah me too Brenda. Isnt that silly when we see it on paper in front of us. I have always been a perfectionist in just about everything i do. but never thought of it as a reason for being so fat and not being able to stick to a diet. Jan