Recovering perfectionist

I had to make life hard for you

Because I didn’t want you to grow up in the trap that life is deserved not earned.

So I pushed you.

Bullied you.

And tore you down just enough that you would constantly feel insecure

Then I would compete with you

Congratulate you

And award you.

And what did you grow to become?

A secret narcissist.

Better known as an insecure perfectionist.

You’d have tantrums over losing your spelling book for fear of failing your test.

You’d scream if your hair wasn’t straight.

You’d cry if your sister beat you at games.

But you got straight A’s, didn’t you?

And I’m so proud of you.