What is perfection anyway? Katherine Morgan Schafler’s The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control challenges the notion of perfectionism being a flaw or burden. Instead, Schafler reframes perfectionism as a state of being that, when harnessed correctly, can lead to fulfillment rather than disappointment.

Schafler identifies five distinct types of perfectionists. This categorization can resonate deeply with readers who have struggled with perfectionism. The approach not only personalizes the experience but also fosters a sense of community among those with perfectionist tendencies.

Drawing from her extensive experience as a psychotherapist, she recognizes that perfectionism often stems from deeper psychological issues, including childhood trauma and conditional love. She points out that telling perfectionists to “lighten up” is ineffective — much like advising someone to “calm down” in moments of anger. Instead, she advocates for a compassionate approach.

There’s a lot to learn. The book is rich with practical strategies to help perfectionists navigate their thoughts and behaviors. Schafler shares her research and client anecdotes, creating a comforting and relatable experience for the reader.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can find The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control at Diwan.

? HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Give your Teta a break and head on to Tabali Bistro for home cooked Egyptian food. This Egyptian bistro has transformed its humble beginnings as a breakfast spot into a haven for home-cooked classics. Originally famous for its staples like foul Tabali and endless stuffed taameya creations, the restaurant has evolved, now offering dishes that feel like a warm hug straight from your mother’s kitchen.

We kicked things off with their Mix Tabali, a towering sampler of Egyptian appetizers that instantly caught our attention. The hefty platter included sambosak, crispy and stuffed with cheesy goodness, a hearty roqaq, vine leaves that — while slightly dry — still held their own with an addictive tang, and the classic mombar, with spiced rice and perfectly fried. The roqaq in particular stole the show with its buttery, melt-in-your-mouth layers.

We decided to go off a mix of cravings and popular choices for the main course, and we weren’t disappointed. The macarona bechamel was pure comfort in a tagine. This dish instantly takes you back — its creamy layers of pasta, rich bechamel sauce, and spiced meat baked to golden perfection. It reminded us of cozy family dinners where everyone fights for the crispy corners.

The moammar rice with chicken is a comforting dish that delivers on heartiness. The tender chicken is well-seasoned, buried in the mound of fluffy rice drenched in a creamy sauce that some might find a bit rich. While the creaminess may be too much for those who prefer a lighter touch, it definitely a satisfying dish for anyone craving something filling.

Lastly, the orzo tagine with meat came packed with flavor. The tender chunks of meat are nicely cooked, and the orzo absorbs the rich, meaty sauce beautifully, creating a satisfying combination. While it was nearly perfect, a bit more spice would have given it the extra kick it needs to really shine.

Last but never least: Dessert. We couldn’t resist ordering a classic feteer with powdered sugar and milk. If you’ve got room for dessert, it’s a perfect ending — light, flaky layers of dough dusted with sugar and softened with a splash of milk.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Their numerous branches mean that there’s probably one not too far. You can find them in Madinaty, New Cairo (District 5, Bank Center, and Leven Square), October, Zayed, Heliopolis, Zamalek, and Smart Village. If you’re feeling too comfy to leave the house, you can order through Talabat or through their website.

? Per person: EGP 500 to EGP 1k.

? Outdoor seating: Yes.

? Alcohol: No.

? Accessibility friendly: Yes.

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