I’d never heard the term “social perfectionist” before, but this is a near-perfect description of many people I work with in therapy who describe themselves as chronically lonely.

Perfectionism in general is usually about control — trying to control how we feel, specifically — so social perfectionism makes a lot of sense. We learn to try and control our social interactions as a way of avoiding hurt.

Works in the short term (no rejection); not so much in the long term (no friends).

Definitely gonna check out the book!