I would say I'm an optimistic pessimist. I know I probably
should expect the worst, but I tend to get excited by fantasies of how well things COULD work out. When they don't work out very well, I tend to be disappointed, but not very much so because I tend to feel I've already experienced the happy alternative in my head.
For example, if I go to the mental health clinic in a few days to see if there's a therapist knowledgeable in transgender issues and there
isn't one, I'm not going to be very upset because I've already had the appointment several times in my imagination; and in some cases been prescribed T
So my imagination will keep me amused until reality can take its place.
I think for most people in general, optimism is a good trait in moderation. But only if things working out badly doesn't make them greatly upset -- I think being pleased leads to longer lives.
So, on a scale of one to ten... I'd put myself at a 7 and a half, depending on the situation.
