Sigh...what would I tell myself? I'd have made much wiser choices when it comes to men. I would have allowed myself to just be happy on my own instead of rushing in to relationships and looking for someone else to make me feel happy. (I have two failed marriages behind me.)
Now I am a 40+ mum of two great boys. I am so much stronger and so much more content with my own company. I enjoy my job, have renovated my current home (still a work in progress but most of the indoors is done) and redecorated two prior to this one. I have learnt to do things that often we would sit back and just wait for a man to take care of and it makes you feel GOOD! LOL! I also have a hobby that I am passionate about. I have great friends (not many but the ones I have are brilliant) and a very close family.
I had a romantic idea about men when I was younger which sadly is gone now. Perhaps I was just unlucky. But I am not going to allow myself to be walked all over now. I like my peaceful life ; )
Food wise - I am way lighter and way more settled with food. I am not perfect but my habits now are a million miles better than they were in my 20s.
I eat things now I wouldn't have looked twice at back then and enjoy trying to incorporate healthy tasty meals.
As for your comment about perfectionism...if that's a trait you have you will probably always battle it in various aspects of your life. Its good that you are aware of it.
Its great that you felt you could post here and I hope lots more ladies will comment for you and that it will help. I surely wish I had had some mentors when I was younger!
Take care,
Lee