Do you suffer from “perfect moment syndrome” that prevents you from truly enjoying?
Who has never imagined a perfect moment, where everything unfolds like in a movie? A grandiose party, fluid conversations, a flawless atmosphere. However, when these dreamed moments do not meet our high expectations, the disappointment can be immense.
This feeling has a name: “perfect timing syndrome”. This concept, recently popularized on social networks like TikTok, is based on testimonies from people frustrated by the gap between their dreams and reality.
Exacerbated perfectionism
Behind this syndrome, we often find an exacerbated perfectionism or a need for control. Psychologist Kamran Eshtehardi explained to TF1 : “It’s literally impossible for everything to go perfectly all the time.”
By focusing on careful planning and anticipation, we forget to enjoy the moment. This phenomenon is particularly amplified by social pressure and the ideals conveyed by the networks, which set the bar ever higher.
Overcoming the Perfect Moment Syndrome
For Delphine Py, psychologist, “perfect timing syndrome arises from unrealistic expectations of particular events.” Birthdays, end-of-year celebrations, weddings: so many occasions where perfection becomes an… unattainable goal. The greater the gap between what we imagine and what we experience, the deeper the disappointment.
Beyond sadness, this syndrome has insidious effects: it prevents us from fully living the present. “These people struggle to adapt and appreciate what is, because they remain stuck in their anticipation,” says Sarah Yudkin, anxiety management coach. Result ? A negative spiral where positive memories are eclipsed by unpleasantness.
How to free yourself from it?
Before an event, ask yourself: do your expectations reflect your deep values or do they respond to a quest for social validation? Professional counselor Jennifer A. Gray recommends focusing on authentic goals that align with your personal aspirations.
Letting go is an essential skill. Rather than aiming for an unattainable ideal, welcome the unexpected as part of the experience. After all, it’s often the imperfect moments that create the most precious memories.