Do to some personal circumstances I recently encountered I decided to do a little research about the difference between Optimistic and Pessimistic people. I looked up definitions, and even took a test I found on this website...



http://web.tickle.com/tests/standard/opt_pess.jsp?test=opt_pess



Below are my results. I was a little taken back because I really believed or do believe I carry a more optimistic attitude. I didn't really think the description fit me.

If you take the test I'd love to see others results and whether or not you thought the description fit your own view of your personality.

A questions I've been pondering, that only a true pessimistic person could answer is... If you pessimistic about a situation what drives you to fix it or make it better? For me it's "hope", but do pessimistic people really "hope" as in "hope for the best"?


Are You an Optimist or a Pessimist?
Geez, who rained on your parade? Okay, so you don't have the same Eeyore-ish attitude as a true pessimist, but you definitely aren't expecting good things to happen, either. Even when the weatherman is sure of sun, you carry an umbrella. And we're willing to bet that you're at least somewhat sarcastic — you like making fun of those suckers who are always looking on the bright side of life. You don't trust people readily; they have to earn their spot in your good graces. (In fact, you may even feel like you have enough friends and don't really need any more.) After all, nobody's giving you anything in this world — it's every man for himself. But you're not completely devoid of hope. Admit it: Somewhere deep inside is a tiny part of you that truly believes at least one cloud out there has a silver lining. Try listening to that part a little more often and see what happens.

My outcome is this:

"Well, everything's not quite roses and teddy bears for you, but you do tend to look on the bright side of life (we can hear those Monty Python boys whistling right now...). Sure, you sometimes bitch and moan about your problems (who doesn't?), but deep down you're pretty sure that everything will eventually turn out fine. When the weather man says it's going to be sunny, you leave your umbrella at home. In general, you like to be around people, and you try to make new friends when you can. You do your best to take things at face value, rather than making mountains out of molehills. Basically, the world is sort of like a big coconut to you: tough and hairy on the outside, but, when you get down into it, there's good stuff inside."

Quite on the spot I'd say.

Ok, you know they are wrong when they call ME an eternal optimist. lol I am optimistic, but I CANNOT say that the glass is half full, and I think that if there is life out there, they ARE staying away from us because we would just run tests on them.

Hummm, weird.

Are You an Optimist or a Pessimist?




pessimist optimist


Congratulations! You're the eternal optimist, a regular "Sunshine Day" of a person. When it rains, you think about how good the water is for the flowers and trees rather than how wet you're getting. More likely to trust someone than not, you always see the good in people. Sure, that opens you up for a few let-downs, but that's okay — your great attitude will help you deal with them if and when they come. In the long run, it doesn't really matter at all; everything's going to be all right! You like meeting new people and thoroughly enjoy their companionship. In a nutshell, you just don't dwell on small failures — you learn from your mistakes and do your best to make everyone around you happy to be alive. Keep it up!

Here were my results:

Congratulations! You're the eternal optimist, a regular "Sunshine Day" of a person. When it rains, you think about how good the water is for the flowers and trees rather than how wet you're getting. More likely to trust someone than not, you always see the good in people. Sure, that opens you up for a few let-downs, but that's okay — your great attitude will help you deal with them if and when they come. In the long run, it doesn't really matter at all; everything's going to be all right! You like meeting new people and thoroughly enjoy their companionship. In a nutshell, you just don't dwell on small failures — you learn from your mistakes and do your best to make everyone around you happy to be alive. Keep it up!

I'm not surprised. :D

Speedy

http://i.emode.com/images/graphs/range/middle15.gif

Well, everything's not quite roses and teddy bears for you, but you do tend to look on the bright side of life (we can hear those Monty Python boys whistling right now...). Sure, you sometimes bitch and moan about your problems (who doesn't?), but deep down you're pretty sure that everything will eventually turn out fine. When the weather man says it's going to be sunny, you leave your umbrella at home. In general, you like to be around people, and you try to make new friends when you can. You do your best to take things at face value, rather than making mountains out of molehills. Basically, the world is sort of like a big coconut to you: tough and hairy on the outside, but, when you get down into it, there's good stuff inside.

http://i.emode.com/images/graphs/range/middle16.gifhttp://i.emode.com/images/graphs/range/bottom.gifpessimistoptimistCongratulations! You're the eternal optimist, a regular "Sunshine Day" of a person. When it rains, you think about how good the water is for the flowers and trees rather than how wet you're getting. More likely to trust someone than not, you always see the good in people. Sure, that opens you up for a few let-downs, but that's okay — your great attitude will help you deal with them if and when they come. In the long run, it doesn't really matter at all; everything's going to be all right! You like meeting new people and thoroughly enjoy their companionship. In a nutshell, you just don't dwell on small failures — you learn from your mistakes and do your best to make everyone around you happy to be alive. Keep it up!

Well, everything's not quite roses and teddy bears for you, but you do tend to look on the bright side of life (we can hear those Monty Python boys whistling right now...). Sure, you sometimes bitch and moan about your problems (who doesn't?), but deep down you're pretty sure that everything will eventually turn out fine. When the weather man says it's going to be sunny, you leave your umbrella at home. In general, you like to be around people, and you try to make new friends when you can. You do your best to take things at face value, rather than making mountains out of molehills. Basically, the world is sort of like a big coconut to you: tough and hairy on the outside, but, when you get down into it, there's good stuff inside.
*******************************

Pretty accurate!

Are You an Optimist or a Pessimist?

Geez, who rained on your parade? Okay, so you don't have the same Eeyore-ish attitude as a true pessimist, but you definitely aren't expecting good things to happen, either. Even when the weatherman is sure of sun, you carry an umbrella. And we're willing to bet that you're at least somewhat sarcastic — you like making fun of those suckers who are always looking on the bright side of life. You don't trust people readily; they have to earn their spot in your good graces. (In fact, you may even feel like you have enough friends and don't really need any more.) After all, nobody's giving you anything in this world — it's every man for himself. But you're not completely devoid of hope. Admit it: Somewhere deep inside is a tiny part of you that truly believes at least one cloud out there has a silver lining. Try listening to that part a little more often and see what happens.

I think I am more of a pessimist than this says..... just to show you :twisted:
Answer to above description...
Everyone rains on my parade Everyday!
Good things do not happen to me why expect them?
Yes I have 6 umbrellas in my trunk
VERY sarcastic...my nickname in high school was b*tch but only from those who loved me :spitting:
Make fun of suckers all the time.
The only friends I have, have gone off the air :rolleyes:
Yes, the cloud with a silver lining is the one that will fall on me when the sky falls (silver clouds are heavier than regular clouds) :cloud9:

Well, everything's not quite roses and teddy bears for you, but you do tend to look on the bright side of life (we can hear those Monty Python boys whistling right now...). Sure, you sometimes bitch and moan about your problems (who doesn't?), but deep down you're pretty sure that everything will eventually turn out fine. When the weather man says it's going to be sunny, you leave your umbrella at home. In general, you like to be around people, and you try to make new friends when you can. You do your best to take things at face value, rather than making mountains out of molehills. Basically, the world is sort of like a big coconut to you: tough and hairy on the outside, but, when you get down into it, there's good stuff inside.

Wow, I thought I was more Optimist than I really am. I knew it wouldn't be good results as I was answering the quiz though. I think I'm getting crankier in my old age.

I think I am more of a pessimist than this says..... just to show you :twisted:
Answer to above description...
Everyone rains on my parade Everyday!
Good things do not happen to me why expect them?
Yes I have 6 umbrellas in my trunk
VERY sarcastic...my nickname in high school was b*tch but only from those who loved me :spitting:
Make fun of suckers all the time.
The only friends I have, have gone off the air :rolleyes:
Yes, the cloud with a silver lining is the one that will fall on me when the sky falls (silver clouds are heavier than regular clouds) :cloud9:

Moonchaser... if your a pessimist, maybe you can answer my question :silly:

If your view is pessimistic about a situation what drives you to fix it or make it better? For me it's "hope", but do pessimistic people really "hope" as in "hope for the best"?

Thanks,
Aloe

"Geez, who rained on your parade? Okay, so you don't have the same Eeyore-ish attitude as a true pessimist, but you definitely aren't expecting good things to happen, either. Even when the weatherman is sure of sun, you carry an umbrella. And we're willing to bet that you're at least somewhat sarcastic — you like making fun of those suckers who are always looking on the bright side of life. You don't trust people readily; they have to earn their spot in your good graces. (In fact, you may even feel like you have enough friends and don't really need any more.) After all, nobody's giving you anything in this world — it's every man for himself. But you're not completely devoid of hope. Admit it: Somewhere deep inside is a tiny part of you that truly believes at least one cloud out there has a silver lining. Try listening to that part a little more often and see what happens."


Wow, I was right smack in the middle of the spectrum and I got this snarky message? Actually, I don't think I'm a pessimist; I think I'm a realist. And, you know what? The studies show that people who are more "pessimistic" are more realistic, and the people who are more "optimistic" are a little less...tethered, shall we say. I was one of those kids at camp who, when the counsellor urged us all to bounce out of bed and embrace the day, would burrow deeper under the covers...... Nothing worse in my world than people who bounce out of bed in teh morning (unless they're going to make me coffee).....

Moonchaser... if your a pessimist, maybe you can answer my question :silly:

If your view is pessimistic about a situation what drives you to fix it or make it better? For me it's "hope", but do pessimistic people really "hope" as in "hope for the best"?

Thanks,
Aloe



This is the exact trait that drives me to be a perfectionist and a control freak...boy, I sound fun don't I? :jestor:

I have no faith in other people, period. So therefore I do it myself. My drive to make things better comes from the whole idea if I don't do it no one will. I don't really hope. I see something that needs to be done, corrected, improved, etc and make a plan and it is either possible or impossible. If I do it then great I move on to the next thing. If not then I just :brickwall:

I do not really hope for the best I am way to much of a realist. I either make the best happen and if it something I cant control I sit back with my arms crossed and wait to see what happens. I try to know the odds in any situation (I educate myself about everything I possibly can).

I am very much a fatalist. I can even tell you how all of this developed. When I was a child it was all fairy tales etc until 4 days before I turned 9. My father was killed in a plane crash. I saw the news on the TV and showed my older brother who then called my mother. After she got home from work we had to wait quite a while to find out if there were any survivors.

There were none. The whole wait consisted of me doing the whole "Daddy is invincible, nothing happened to him routine". When a child of that age has to face their own and others mortality it breaks something in them. It broke my faith in God, even for many years. I would pray but it would be with the attitude. Yeah I know it COULD happen but I am sure it wont.

So there is my sad, no hope life in a nutshell.... No really it isn't so bad to be this way. My mom is an optimist and I see her get hurt by people over and over and over and...well you get the pic. I do not get hurt the way that others do because it takes a lot for anyone to get to that point.

I do not mind it in any way and truly do not want to shift to being any other way. I am not an overbearing b*tch by any means. I have a "leadership" personality or at least I am told by others.

If you have any other ?'s I will be happy to answer them.....

Ciao

Nothing worse in my world than people who bounce out of bed in the morning


:spitting: ME TOO!

Well, everything's not quite roses and teddy bears for you, but you do tend to look on the bright side of life (we can hear those Monty Python boys whistling right now...). Sure, you sometimes bitch and moan about your problems (who doesn't?), but deep down you're pretty sure that everything will eventually turn out fine. When the weather man says it's going to be sunny, you leave your umbrella at home. In general, you like to be around people, and you try to make new friends when you can. You do your best to take things at face value, rather than making mountains out of molehills. Basically, the world is sort of like a big coconut to you: tough and hairy on the outside, but, when you get down into it, there's good stuff inside.


That's a little bit of a surprise, those of you who have read my posts from when I'm in a bad mood will understand why. ;) I try to stay on the positive side of things and work to make things better, generally there is something good in every bad situation and something to smile about no matter how bad things get, but when it comes to people I've been hurt too much NOT to realize that even if you prefer to think positive thoughts, you'd be best off being realistic/cautious with most people. I guess that's the "prepare for the worst but hope for the best" mentality.

Well, everything's not quite roses and teddy bears for you, but you do tend to look on the bright side of life (we can hear those Monty Python boys whistling right now...). Sure, you sometimes bitch and moan about your problems (who doesn't?), but deep down you're pretty sure that everything will eventually turn out fine. When the weather man says it's going to be sunny, you leave your umbrella at home. In general, you like to be around people, and you try to make new friends when you can. You do your best to take things at face value, rather than making mountains out of molehills. Basically, the world is sort of like a big coconut to you: tough and hairy on the outside, but, when you get down into it, there's good stuff inside.

I'd say this is right on. :grin:

This is the exact trait that drives me to be a perfectionist and a control freak...boy, I sound fun don't I? :jestor:

I have no faith in other people, period. So therefore I do it myself. My drive to make things better comes from the whole idea if I don't do it no one will. I don't really hope. I see something that needs to be done, corrected, improved, etc and make a plan and it is either possible or impossible. If I do it then great I move on to the next thing. If not then I just :brickwall:

I do not really hope for the best I am way to much of a realist. I either make the best happen and if it something I cant control I sit back with my arms crossed and wait to see what happens. I try to know the odds in any situation (I educate myself about everything I possibly can).

I am very much a fatalist. I can even tell you how all of this developed. When I was a child it was all fairy tales etc until 4 days before I turned 9. My father was killed in a plane crash. I saw the news on the TV and showed my older brother who then called my mother. After she got home from work we had to wait quite a while to find out if there were any survivors.

There were none. The whole wait consisted of me doing the whole "Daddy is invincible, nothing happened to him routine". When a child of that age has to face their own and others mortality it breaks something in them. It broke my faith in God, even for many years. I would pray but it would be with the attitude. Yeah I know it COULD happen but I am sure it wont.

So there is my sad, no hope life in a nutshell.... No really it isn't so bad to be this way. My mom is an optimist and I see her get hurt by people over and over and over and...well you get the pic. I do not get hurt the way that others do because it takes a lot for anyone to get to that point.

I do not mind it in any way and truly do not want to shift to being any other way. I am not an overbearing b*tch by any means. I have a "leadership" personality or at least I am told by others.

If you have any other ?'s I will be happy to answer them.....

Ciao

That was beautifully put. I can not say "I understand", but I can say I at least "get the picture". Mainly because everything you wrote sounded just like my SO's personality. He is not a bad guy, or mean either, but he carries the same approach to situations as you do. He is also a perfectionist and a control freak!!! Sometimes so much that I have to tell him "Stop! I am a big girl and can handle this myself". I just thought it was amusing or interesting that you used words or phrases he has in the past. Like creating "a plan".

I think whether your an optimist or pessimist we're all good people and there's pro's and cons to each side. I'm probably more like your mother... always gets hurt, over and over and over. I also think the best thing I could do for myself is what I'm doing now. I'm outwardly an optimist. I try to exert positive vibes. But inside is where my pessimistic outlook lye. I do not choose to walk around in a fairytale world, I know bad crap can happen and anything is possible. I just tend to keep it more to myself.

On that note... I am sorry you had to lose your loved one at such a young age. That would affect anyone. I feel like I can empathize with you to a point because I also suffered a lot of loses when I was young and had a hard childhood. But I wanted to say that I appreciate you sharing your story with me.


Truly,
Aloe

Geez, who rained on your parade? Okay, so you don't have the same Eeyore-ish attitude as a true pessimist, but you definitely aren't expecting good things to happen, either. Even when the weatherman is sure of sun, you carry an umbrella. And we're willing to bet that you're at least somewhat sarcastic — you like making fun of those suckers who are always looking on the bright side of life. You don't trust people readily; they have to earn their spot in your good graces. (In fact, you may even feel like you have enough friends and don't really need any more.) After all, nobody's giving you anything in this world — it's every man for himself. But you're not completely devoid of hope. Admit it: Somewhere deep inside is a tiny part of you that truly believes at least one cloud out there has a silver lining. Try listening to that part a little more often and see what happens.

That was beautifully put.

But I wanted to say that I appreciate you sharing your story with me.


Thank you..and you are welcome.

Another analogy that came to mind. My brother is like my mother. Well, he was getting frustrated with people and made the comment to me "I should just be hard like you are." WHOA!!!! schreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeech to a halt here.....
I told him I am not a hard person. ( I am a guarded person but that does not equal hard)

The difference is when a person walks through the door ... To me they are at 0. How they act from there determines if I view them in a positive light or negative. My mother and brother rate everyone at 100, and then they have to be screwed over 100 times just to reach the balance I start at. I give no one the "benefit of the doubt". People can and do redeem themselves in my view, but its all about their actions. I have a friend who always tries to twist everything into the positive and I told her recently that if she keeps trying that with me she is just going to exhaust herself. :brickwall

I am not a very sympathetic person either. If a person never stops to think of the consequences and ends up in a bad situation I don't feel for them. I tend to think "Okay, dummy, how are you going to get out of THIS?" I do not SAY that to them just think it. I am a tactful, unsympathetic person. hehe

If you and your SO are that different in personality (my DH and I are also) I recommend the personality book by Florence Littaeur. I even did a personality test thread on her work. It will open your eyes ALOT. She even talks about how to live with someone of a specific type.

Usually I consider myself a realist, but I'm definantly more pessimist than optimist.

Geez, who rained on your parade? Okay, so you don't have the same Eeyore-ish attitude as a true pessimist, but you definitely aren't expecting good things to happen, either. Even when the weatherman is sure of sun, you carry an umbrella. And we're willing to bet that you're at least somewhat sarcastic — you like making fun of those suckers who are always looking on the bright side of life. You don't trust people readily; they have to earn their spot in your good graces. (In fact, you may even feel like you have enough friends and don't really need any more.) After all, nobody's giving you anything in this world — it's every man for himself. But you're not completely devoid of hope. Admit it: Somewhere deep inside is a tiny part of you that truly believes at least one cloud out there has a silver lining. Try listening to that part a little more often and see what happens.

"when a person walks through the door ... To me they are at 0" I live by that system of judging people.

P.S. I must learn how to use a quote box.