Is it better to always expect the worst and never be disappointed than it is to be optimistic and often hurt?

Question

Rajiv12:

I didn't say i do this did i?
Don't judge people.

Answer 1

i think it's good to have a good mix of both...it would be great too if you knew where to expect the worst and when to be optimistic...i think that's what we should all do...to know when to expect the worst so you won't be disappointed and when to be optimistic and risk whatever happens...because i think that both of them have their own advantages and disadvantages especially if used at the right time...

Answer 2

Our body (and the universe) is designed to function optimally when everything is in balance. In biology it is referred to as homeostasis; in psychology, there's a theory called optimum arousal that speaks about balance; in religion/spirituality, there's the notion of yin/yang.

To answer your question from this perspective of balance, a good answer is probably that is not healthy to be either completely pessimistic
("expect the worst and never be disappointed") or completely optimistic ("be optimistic and often hurt"). Instead, you should strive for balance concerning the interpretation of things that may happen to you. I believe there's a cliche related to your question that goes something like, "hope for the best but expect the worst"--this would be a balance point.

Answer 3

A person who always expects the worse will probably lead a very sad, depressing life. You should always be prepared for the worst, but don't expect it. Being optimistic and opening yourself up can, and will at some point, leave you hurting, but you can move on and grow through it. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Answer 4

I think different approaches work for different people. What is going to be better for any given individual depends a lot on their personality and values. Dr. Julie Norem has done some interesting work looking at both pessimistic and optimistic styles. Her theory is that depending on the level of anxiety experienced by an individual, either a defensive pessimism or strategic optimism may work best.

Answer 5

It is. But the pessimism of always expecting the worst means you lose enjoyment in things. Try and walk the middle line. Be optimistic when you know the dissapointment will be easy to get over if it does happen. Be realistic and honest with yourself and others for the rest, others might not appreciate your honesty but that is their prob.

Answer 6

You've already decided to expect the worst when you say you'll "often" be hurt. It's better in the long run to be realistic by hoping for the best but being prepared for the worst.

Answer 7

I think it is better to be realistic....I don't think its a good idea to have such an optimistic attitude that a persons expectations are so high, that they are the majority of times going to be disappointed...
If you are realistic..then when things that happen turn out better then you thought its a gift...

Answer 8

You only get what you wish for! If you believe in yourself, believe in something very much then you can make it happen. Of course things may not happen as you wish but to only expect the worse denies you hope and can lead you to become depressed in the long run.

The best thing to do is to hope that something good will happen, do whatever you can to make it be while at the same time make contigency plans in case it doesn't happen so that you're at least prepared for plan B

Answer 9

Always being negative makes you negative everyone needs an element of positivity in life or you wont get very far but my real answer is that life is about balance too much of anything will hurt you including excessive negativity.

Answer 10

I am always a glass is half full kind of person. One thing you need to remember is that there's always someone out there who has it worse than you do. Just be thankful for the good things you have and you'll be alright.

Answer 11

I think a mix of both is best. I call it hopeful pessimism. Look at both results of what could happen. Realistically, determine the chances of each result. Then hope for the best! It's really all you can do.