It's common to struggle with perfectionist tendencies. We want to be the best parent, student, or person we can be. But some classic cults, oppressive religions, and narcissistic abusers take it way too far and filthy.

Impossible standards are presented (that the leaders claim to have achieved), and expect their followers/members/partners to reach these levels of perfection. The victims are sent into an obsessive state of striving to be the most "pure" or "clear" that they can be.

Sometimes their entire salvation and worthiness are dangled in front of their faces as a constant reminder of what they will lose if they don't adhere to these mythological standards.

Lisa and Lauren call out these dirty tactics, and explain how this unattainable pursuit of perfection is meant to keep you stuck, disempowered, and devoted to dysfunction.

Referenced in this podcast, the Trust Me Pod episode Perfectionism & Purity https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/trust-me-cults-extreme-belief-and-manipulation/id1534370789?i=1000610860462

*Podcast content can be triggering. We are not therapists, experts, or cult leaders, so our conversations are not intended to diagnose, convince, coerce, or substitute for medical advice or treatment. Topics vary, and the opinions of guests or the general public do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the hosts. ------ Theme music 'Dystopia' by Neutrin05 is under a Creative Commons license (CC BY 3.0) Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: http://bit.ly/Neutrin05-Dystopia