Perfectionism is a tricky trap. It disguises itself as ambition or self-improvement but often leaves you feeling stuck, exhausted, and never quite good enough. It whispers that if you just try harder or do more, you’ll finally feel worthy of love, success, or happiness. But here’s the truth: perfectionism isn’t the path to fulfillment—it’s the road to burnout.

If you’re grappling with whether to see your family this holiday season, I want to tell you something that might feel radical: You don’t have to go.