Pessimist, optimist, realist- What kind of a person are you?

I used to be quite pessimistic a few years ago and since then I decided to look at things in a more optimistic yet realistic way. I believe that we control very little in our lives and some things are meant to be and other aren’t and no amount of struggling on our part is going to change that. The interesting part is that sometimes when something does not work out the way we wanted it to, down the road it turns out to be a blessing so I no longer try to control results, I think positively with the knowledge that the outcome will be the best for me and in the meantime prepare myself for every possible scenario that may happen.

I have my own category in this kind of personality trait. I classify myself as "pessimistically optimistic". Its kinda like what you have. Though Im pessimistic in most things, as long as it comes to myself. But with others I always try to cheer them up if I can. I never hope for good things. I do wish for them but I dont hope for them. Those are two different things and another discussion altogether.LOL Not hoping for good things is kinda like not expecting for them. If you dont expect and it doesnt happen, then you wont get disappointed. But when you really expected something and it doesnt happen at all, then one would be devastated. When you think about it, not expecting anything is being optimistic in a way. You're optimistic that you wont get hurt or disappointed if some things doesnt happen. So with that, I am pessimistically optimistic. Hope that made sense somehow.

I am an eternal optimist with just a hint of realist hidden underneath. In other words, I have a bright outlook and high expectations, but that does not mean I am gullible.

Nice post! before I would say I was a pessimist and realist but now...I'm more optimistic! but in a way a bit realist depends on the situation

Im the same as you an optimist and a realist. I tend to look on the bright side always because if i look on the bad side of it well, it won't help me and solve my problems.Also, i look on what is in front of me and keep in mind what i am able and can do and the risks.

I'am an optimist person at the same time realist. I know when would I be realist when it comes to things that cant be solve beyond my control. But it doesnt leave me pessimist when things slipped off from my hands, I let the realist person of me to take over.

I am an optimist to the core. It is the optimism that has brought me to the level I am in now. I have come across more pessimists than the hurdles in my life who tried to pull me down with them. I never heeded to their suggestions and resolved to go my way having faith in my acumen. Moreover I strongly believe that and optimist can always will the things happen to his advantage. Mind is a very powerful tool. God has given us an analytical mind to be used to the improvement of our lives. Pessimism beats this purpose completely. And to make my serious response lighter I would like to read the following joke about an optimist and pessimist. Two friends, one an optimist and the other a pessimist, could never quite agree on any topic of discussion. One day the optimist decided he had found a good way to pull his pessimistic friend out of his continual pessimistic way of thinking. The optimist owned a hunting dog that could walk on water. So he took the pessimist duck hunting in a boat. They got out into the middle of the lake, and the optimist shot down a duck…the dog immediately walked out across the water, retrieved the duck, and walked back to the boat. The optimist looked at his pessimistic friend and said, “So what do you think about THAT?” The pessimist replied, “Your old dog can’t swim a lick, can he?”[b] And we wish you and your family a wonderful New Year Kala.[/b]

I think I can consider myself an optimist then realist. Because I always try to think the positive side of any situation first before getting into a conclusion. If all else seems bleak, I'm going to realization mode so I will become a realist. Well, we can never win them all huh? Some things are just not what we want them to be.

I think I am an optimist. A compulsive optimist which means when my life had been full of bleaks and I was sulking, I chose optimism as compulsion. I wouldn't have lived otherwise. Optimism is great, it gives you the strength to fight the odds. I was never a realist. Have always thought with heart, lost many times but I haven't changed. May be I have little brains and all hearts! . Pessimism is something I do not quite understand for I have never felt that I am a loser or that some kind of injustice has been going on. I have just suffered the consequences of my series of stupidity. And just that. I am glad that you are an optimist as well. Even though sometimes sky high optimist hurts us but I am sure you are not a irrational and irresponsible optimist. I do not dream of flying and get hurt just because I cannot have wings! So, I know what is my optimism. The fact that you have little expectations helps you being happy and I tell you, I also never expect anything from life. Whatever I get is a bonus and lovely. I appreciate every moment I am living.

I work at being an optimist but I have to say that there are times that it really does require a concious effort. I don't like being or feeling negative so when I do get into that mode and trust me...I do then I really make it my goal to think positive and optimistic. Being pessimistic has no good purpose. If the circumstances are such that I can't be overly optimistic then at the very least, I have to accept them and deal with them the best I can.

It completely depends on the situation.Sometimes when things are wrong my thoughts are pessimistic and sometimes when I am confident my thoughts are optimistic but most of the time I try to be optimistic and I don't know about being realistic when I I am optimistic.If you are optimistic you can achieve anything you wish.I try to make others also optimistic.

Pretty much all of the above..I have an adage..To hope for the best but plan for the worst. That's the only way to keep it real..It cuts back on disappointments and opens the door for fantastic surprises..ENJOY!

I try to be a realist about most of the things that happen in my life. I hope to be optimistic about some things. But prepared for disappointment anyway. I guess you can't be optimistic about all things. I am not a pessimistic person at all.

I consider myself realist. Being too optimist means losing focus on what's really going on, and you can't let your guard down that easily. I prefer to judge things as they really are, and then see if it's something positive or negative what I'm facing.

Hi Kala! I am an optimist and I believe in positive thinking. Undoubtedly, it is always wiser to be realistic because you cannot undo the reality. I believe - "Hope for the best and be prepared for the worst.". There is nothing wrong in remaining optimistic as optimism lead us to think positive. Being pessimistic could be depressing and may sap us of all our energy. Good Post!

Well, I am an optimist-realist person. I tend to be an optimistic person, but still realistic. For some kind of task or thing that really really can't be done, or not worth it to be done, than I will gladly say no or don't do that. Some of my friends think that I am cocky because of my optimistic character. Well, doesn't matter for me as long as I can carry on with myself. Being pessimistic is pretty bad as we can't move on when we always pessimist.

How about if I answer all three. The reason is there are times when I feel pessimistic and some times feel optimistic and most of the time be realistic. So it depends on the situation and the mood.

Ini mini mina mo. LOL. I am mostly realistic, I think. But I do swing towards pessimism, as I am today. This evening our honorable home minister is going to announce how a state can be cut into two, and the high command - you know who I am referring to - is going to show how that is possible without shedding a drop of blood. In the meanwhile a lady is on her deathbed fasting for United Andhra.

I am a realist as I never place myself in the hands of others. It is only when you place your life in the hands of another that you either become a pessimist or an optimist depending on who is ruling you. I am an independent person and I know what is coming my way.

:) nice question first i was pessimist then i changed to optimist and now a realist because i feel i must tell truth to myself at least. thats doesnt mean that i stop believing but i now work hard and never think of its results. just give my best work and leave all other things on God and I feel less hurt in being a realist.