Pessimistic or Optimistic

[JanetRose]

My daughter was interviewed for a job and is excited about it - I told her not to get her hopes up ...just in case.

Do you tend to tell people to be pessimistic or optimistic about different things. I guess if it was health related, I would say optimistic, but otherwise?

 

[Christine]

I tend to be in the middle, I think, which is to be "realistic."

I don't think it is necessarily pessimistic to tell her not to get her hopes up. Pessimism would be to tell her "Oh, you probably won't get the job, there are so many applicants, the economy is bad, you don't stand a chance." That's a pessimist.

I think it is realistic to tell her that you are glad that she was happy about the interview, that's she's dying for the job, but it's a tough job market so be ready for that.


When it comes to discussing health matters with someone, I find that most people want/require optimism so I try to look for the very positive outcomes of a situation and not dwell on the scary stuff.

 

[::Snow_White::]

I just go with the "hope for the best, prepare for the worst." So usually in the middle. I'm more optimistic, I get excited but I know that things don't always happen so I'm okay with it if something doesn't go like I hoped.

 

[Magic Mom]

My daughter was interviewed for a job and is excited about it - I told her not to get her hopes up ...just in case.

Do you tend to tell people to be pessimistic or optimistic about different things. I guess if it was health related, I would say optimistic, but otherwise?

My mom is pessimistic with me and I hate it. She wold have said exactly what you said, and it would have hurt me. It just sucks the life right out of things. I want her to be excited and hopeful for me, not doubtful.