A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:Hi I suffer from an obsessive compulsive disorder which has begun to strain my relationship..I don't like anyone using my bathroom,I'm very particular about that,and yesterday my boyfriend used it and we go into a huge fight,I can't share stuff like when we are at the movies,I don't like sharing a drink or a popcorn,or when we out for dinner and and my boyfriend goes like take a bite I can't take a bite unless I use a fresh spoon,my wardrobe is set in particular order and color I need my room to be spick and span and when my boyfriend misplaces things or doesn't put it back where it was we usually end up arguing!!he says I need to let loose and I try but I just can't you may find this funny but when I go to restaurants I need to clean the spoon and knifes with tissues before I eat!!I think I'm driving my boyfriend crazy lol..how to I control this??I'm seeing a therapist but it isn't really working..!I have a schedule and I stick by it and my boyfriend thinks I'm being unreal and not living life..I think sometimes he is just being unreasonable!!how do I work on this? Reply to this Question
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female
reader, Honeypie  +, writes (30 August 2012):
 Yoga ( I kid you not) and meditation can help too. However it can also create new rituals.
As for your BF, some people don't understand OCD, so I would, sit him down and explain it (again , I'm sure you already have).
Good luck.
A
reader, anonymous, writes (30 August 2012): This is verified as being by the original poster of the question@honeypie I do the hand washing constantly,and I have this fear that when I come home my things wouldn't be in place,my boyfriend would mess around..when I go to lounge I carry my own glass and pour the drink into that..at night although I know the door is closed I need to constantly get up and check if it is..I'm dealing with a lot and seeking help..
It all started in school when I realised I wouldn't share a choclate,like have the same bite which another person has taken and even it grew into this!!
Anywys thanks for your advise!
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A
female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (29 August 2012):
The things you mention are not that severe. Trust me on that.
I have OCD and it used to be really bad. Hand washing constantly, counting and obsessive uncontrolled fears if things were uneven. I carry cutlery in my purse for when we eat out. Same with wipes and even cleaning wipes IF I have to use a public restroom.
I would suggest you find a good therapist, a lot of the rituals can be curbed with therapy and like some mention meds can help too.
From what you describe it just seems like you like things a certain way. And it does seem like your BF is a very different personality type from yours. And he seems quite unwilling to accept that THIS is part of who you are.
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A
female
reader, Candid Cally +, writes (29 August 2012):
I used to have pretty severe ocd. My first year of college my symptoms escalated along with my anxiety and depression. I was prescribed an antidepressant (generic name is sertraline).
The anti-depressant did little for my depression; however, it curbed my OCD behaviors and the related anxiety. Over the course of six weeks, I was able to stop performing my rituals, i no longer had to do things a set number of times, and once i was free of this constrained way of thinking, i found that my anxiety was lessened as well.
If you are not seeing a psychiatrist, please find one in your area. A psychiatrist can provide you with counseling, can refer you to local experts who have successfully treated others with OCD, and can prescribe medication that (along with therapy/counseling) will help you transition to an existance focused less on obsessions and compulsions and more on living a fuller life.
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A
female
reader, So_Very_Confused +, writes (29 August 2012):
 Does your therapist think you will benefit from any of the meds out there to help control OCD???
My fiance is OCD... i just roll with the punches.....
if your BOYFRIEND cannot accept that your illness is part of you (and it is an illness just like a physical ailment) then perhaps he's not the right partner for you.
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