Even if it's possible to be a perfectionist, often it's just not practical. I've spent much of my life trying to develop understandings of why things that are respected or enjoyed are respectable or enjoyable. But the more I understand the nuances of what makes something worthy of attention, the more I see just how much work is involved or how expensive things get. The fact is, there's only so much that one can realistically expect to be best at, enjoy to the fullest capacity, or take advantage of on a regular basis. Perfection is often inaccessible.

My most recent gripe is with design. The last three years I've worked with amazing designers. The last few months I've spent looking around at the web sites that I like and the web sites that are most popular. And I'm not there. I don't know that I'll ever be there. Not in the ways that they are. Or at least not on my own.

Or how about wine? There are great wines for under $20. There are also really great wines for over $20. I've had some fantastic bargains, but I've learned enough to want to go for the better bottles. (And I know, there are plenty of awful wines, or at least ones that I don't enjoy, that are expensive, too.)

The same argument could be had with other luxuries like cars, gadgets, clothing, and sound equipment. Or with intangibles like dance ability, attractiveness of yourself or others, knowledge of any particular subject, etc. The more you know and the more you've experienced, the easier it is recognize the subtlety, value, and beauty of what's ahead.

I'm not trying to be cynical or pessimistic--I truly believe that the more one can recognize the details, the more one can see what minutiae could be improved upon. And when one is a perfectionist like me, it can be frustrating to have to settle for second best for a little while.

I really should accept that life is good and not worry so much about the details. Alas.