Today I took the first step in not letting something build inside me till my ocd gets to much.  My brother is staying with me and he was driving me nuts.  Thanks to some validation from other members I let him no the rules of my house.  At first there was some attitude as if I was ungratful and he was just helping out but I let that go and didn't get angry.  I sent him an email explaining one of my pet peeves and why it wasn't ocd but good hygene to put the tolit seat down.  That under control I thought smooth sailing, wrong.  Then I come home and he has mopped my bathroom floor with the kitchen mop.  For me this is a big deal as I don't ever use anything but a disposable sponge and a rag and of course throw them away.  I didn't yell cause how was he to know, so I try to explain that I don't do it like that, oh boy.  In a quiet, snoty voice his response was that all he was tring to do was help and he didn't realize it would be so complicated.  He used the tub as a bucket and only mopped and squirted soap in the center of the floor.  I was told I have to many rules.  I threw the mop away and walked away without getting into an arguement as he would only be condisending. He pretends he gets it and even claims to have ocd as his friends tell him he does (but that's a whole other issue).  My son (20 yrs old) stood up for me and stepped in and explained that there is a certain way we clean and it's either my mom's way or don't bother cause she'll only have to do it right anyways.  It felt so good to have my son validate what I was saying.  When he said it it wasn't ocd it was just cleaning the right way.  I had a good day thinking of how he really does get it and for him to understand is huge.  When I check the locks, oven and windows for the 5, 6, 7,  time he'll let me know I am pattering and need to find something else to do.  He'll suggest I go to bed and read and he'll do one final check.  As a family we have decided  that some things are ocd but certain other things are okay.  It feels good that some rituals are acceptable and I am learning what ones need to be only in moderation. I love both my kids Sooooooooooooooooooo much they really help without enabling. Sometimes it's the little things that can make or brake the day.  Tomorrow is a new day and I hope I can be a good mom and wife.  I have been "okay" for awhile so I am always worried when I will fall apart again.