Dear Dr. K: I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist — perhaps more than a bit. This trait helps me in many ways, but sometimes it causes me stress. I wonder if it might have a downside.

What are your thoughts on the pros and cons?

Dear Reader: There are definitely pros and cons to perfectionism. Also, keep in mind that the world isn’t neatly divided into perfectionists and non-perfectionists: There’s a little perfectionism in a lot of people. There surely is in me. (At least, that’s what some people say.)

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