Yes, there is a term for the desire for things to be perfectly aligned, organized, or sorted. It is called "perfectionism." Perfectionism is a personality trait or behavior characterized by setting extremely high standards for oneself or others and striving for flawlessness in various aspects of life. This can include the need for symmetry, orderliness, and precision in how things are arranged or presented.
It's important to distinguish between perfectionism and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). While they can share similarities in terms of the desire for order and control, they are different concepts. OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by intrusive and distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing the distress caused by those thoughts. OCD significantly impacts a person's daily life and can be distressing and time-consuming.
Perfectionism, on the other hand, is a personality trait and doesn't necessarily involve intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors. While some people with OCD might have perfectionistic tendencies, not all perfectionism is related to OCD. Perfectionism can be seen in various contexts, such as academic or work-related performance, appearance, or interpersonal relationships.
If a person's desire for perfectionism becomes excessive and negatively affects their well-being or daily functioning, it might be helpful for them to seek support from a mental health professional. Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective in addressing maladaptive perfectionism and helping individuals develop healthier coping strategies.