Optimism vs. Realism

It seems that all too often when I talk to someone about issues that I have, the tell me not to be so pessimistic and be more optimistic. What they don't realize is that I am realistic. It is neither optimism or pessimism, though taking into account the way most things work out realism sounds a lot like pessimism. Take, for instance, leaving a CD wallet in the passenger seat of an unlocked car in the middle of a crowded parking lot and expecting it to get stolen. That's not pessimism, that's realism. If you are stupid, someone is going to take advantage of you. That's all there is to it. If you expect the best of people at all times, you ARE going to be let down. At the same time, if you expect the worst of people at all times, you are going to lead a sad, sad life. Expect what is likely of the individual person, and don't make generalizations. If you expect what is likely of someone who usually screws up (which is for them to screw up), and they screw up, you aren't going to be let down. But if they do something right, you're expectations are exceeded. The antithesis is true for someone who usually follows through and does things right. It all comes down to learning about a person before you make expectations of them, and then expecting their average behavior. Anyways, I started this sober, took a 7 hour break, and I'm not so sober anymore. I'm gonna crash. Adieu. Josh