Three Reasons to Befriend a Pessimist
Happy Friday! And sunny weather, to boot!
Since Calgarians are emerging from hibernation, I think this might be a good time to suggest greater friendliness toward much-maligned pessimists. You know, the Debbie Downers, Gloomy Gilberts, Jaded Jennys, and Depressed Dans.
We tend to prefer optimists for their bright, cheery outlook, but I'd like to take a moment on the patio to reflect on the positive attributes of pessimists.
Not quite what my patio looks like, but close enough. Let's focus on the pessimists in the back, the only people on the patio who are not smiling.
At least they face their problems.
Ever met an optimist who wanted to talk about their problems, and do something about them? Of course not. People who talk about problems are called pessimists! Meanwhile, optimists blithely ignore unpleasant things like global warming or having stepped on another person's toes because such things get in the way of being jolly.
Humility is refreshing.
Pessimists often suffer from negative self-image, but at least you can't fault them for being overconfident. You've got to appreciate people who take a moment to ponder the situation before assuming they've got what it takes.
They usually pay their share.
Ever gone for dinner with a table full of optimists who happily assume that everyone else is going to chip in a bit extra? Not so with pessimists. Assuming the worst, they often give a bit extra, and strive to avoid offending anyone. You can never be too careful.
Since Calgarians are emerging from hibernation, I think this might be a good time to suggest greater friendliness toward much-maligned pessimists. You know, the Debbie Downers, Gloomy Gilberts, Jaded Jennys, and Depressed Dans.
We tend to prefer optimists for their bright, cheery outlook, but I'd like to take a moment on the patio to reflect on the positive attributes of pessimists.
Not quite what my patio looks like, but close enough. Let's focus on the pessimists in the back, the only people on the patio who are not smiling.
At least they face their problems.
Ever met an optimist who wanted to talk about their problems, and do something about them? Of course not. People who talk about problems are called pessimists! Meanwhile, optimists blithely ignore unpleasant things like global warming or having stepped on another person's toes because such things get in the way of being jolly.
Humility is refreshing.
Pessimists often suffer from negative self-image, but at least you can't fault them for being overconfident. You've got to appreciate people who take a moment to ponder the situation before assuming they've got what it takes.
They usually pay their share.
Ever gone for dinner with a table full of optimists who happily assume that everyone else is going to chip in a bit extra? Not so with pessimists. Assuming the worst, they often give a bit extra, and strive to avoid offending anyone. You can never be too careful.
Time to give Mopey Dick another chance! Hug a pessimist today!
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