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Pessimism vs optimism and ASD

Trainspotter

Hi all

This is a bit of a rant and it is not referring to Pessimism to the extent that it causes great anxiety, but to the pessimistic vs optimistic character.

I am constantly labelled a "Pessimist".  I prefer the term "Realist"  Constantly having people supposedly jolly all the time around me I can find annoying. 

I hate this 'glass half empty' thing.  I have told people when they say I'm the 'half empty' person that it depends whether the glass is being emptied or filled..  Example: Do you want a top up.  Answer: No, my glass is only half empty.  That to me is not being negative.  However, if the glass has just been poured and stopped before it is filled:  Why is my glass  only half full? That to me is a negative.

Imagine a news story: "Good news, there was a very bad train crash today but only five people were killed!"  People would be horrified at the insensitivity of that, yet it is the 'optimistic' point of view as many more could have met their demise.

I'm sure there are 'optimistic' people with ASD as well as pessimistic ones.  But why do people insist on putting labels on people and then using it as criticism.  We are what we are!  Some of us try to consider that there may be a downside to some things instead of 'everything will turn out ok'.  Considering that there may be a downside is surely better than being led down an alley with no thought as to what awaits you at the end. 

My 'pessimism' is me and no amount of negative criticism from optimistic people will stop it or 'cure' it!

Parents

  • I think it really comes down to belief.

    Optimists choose to believe that a situation is going to work out well even if, objectively, it's quite unlikely. I suppose religion serves this purpose in providing a deity that people can believe in that is going to look after them.

    This kind of mindset tends to go against the grain with Aspies since they can very analytical and fact-based and their tendency to think in black and white makes them 'down to earth' and practical. Maybe this is why Aspies can be rather pessimistic at times instead of thinking outside of the box and looking at things differently.

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  • I think it really comes down to belief.

    Optimists choose to believe that a situation is going to work out well even if, objectively, it's quite unlikely. I suppose religion serves this purpose in providing a deity that people can believe in that is going to look after them.

    This kind of mindset tends to go against the grain with Aspies since they can very analytical and fact-based and their tendency to think in black and white makes them 'down to earth' and practical. Maybe this is why Aspies can be rather pessimistic at times instead of thinking outside of the box and looking at things differently.

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