Obsessed with being normal

[WhatIsNormal?!]

I am completely new to this forum. I have suffered with OCD for 11 years (only just realised its been that long?!). I eventually plucked up the courage five years ago to speak to my GP (who was lovely) and explained how I had been suffering. He referred me for CBT which I did as part of a group. It was hard but seemed to work.

Problem is it is difficult to maintain the techniques I learned and I haven't been strict at keeping up with them. I have realised very recently that the OCD is creeping back in more than I want! Although the OCD has always been festering in the background.

I am just curious as one question I constantly ask my partner is : "is that normal" or "what would a 'normal' person think?" After reading a few post on here i have realised that most people ask "is it the OCD?" Which i think is much the same question. For me i am obsessed (!) with whether i am worrying to a normal level or an OCD level. Most people worry to some extent. How/when do we draw the line?!

Any thoughts/comment welcome.

[Guest OCDelighted]

I think it's easier to identify OCD when the obsession is something completely irrational or frightening. However it can regularly creep into other areas of our life, worries that we would consider normal and assume everyone has from time to time.

It's the incredible detail with which we worry about these "normal" problems and the time we unwillingly dedicate to said worries that makes it apparent that it's bordering on OCD.

Edited April 19, 2014 by OCDelighted