Do you remember a television show based on a play by Neil Simon called the Odd Couple? One of the main characters, Felix Ungar, drives his roommate to distraction with his perfectionism. There is a name for this problem- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder. This disorder is characterized by preoccupation with cleanliness, orderliness, and interpersonal control. The diagnosis is given to someone who experiences four or more of the following: (1) preoccupation with details, (2) perfectionistic to the point of interference with success, (3) excessive devotion to work and productivity, (4) inflexible, moral, and ethical stance, (5) unable to throw things away (pack rat), (6) unable to delegate, (7) tendency to be miserly, and (8) rigid and stubborn.

This friend, roomate, or spouse can be your worst nightmare. He/she will challenge your way of doing things. Essentially nothing you do is good enough. Obsessive-Compulsives are also the most difficult type of person with which to work in a job setting. They focus on “the trees” rather than on “the forest” by burying themselves in minutia. They tend to be both stubborn and negative.

My advice is to not personalize the criticisms of a obsessive-compulsive person. Their perfectionism is a disease that may not effect you. Do not let them tell you how to do your job, to spend your money or to meet their notion of your responsibilities. Do not attempt to reason with them for they are basically unreasonable. Rather explain to them how you will determine your own standards and set your own performance level. Also set limits on their complaints and enforce them. You may want to encourage them to seek professional help.