Half full or half empty ?

pes·si·mism –noun
1. the tendency to see, anticipate, or emphasize only bad or undesirable outcomes, results, conditions, problems, etc.

Personally, I always see the glass as a "half glass of water." What does that say about me?

A friend recently categorized me as a pessimist and, frankly, I was shocked. I definitely wouldn't classify myself as generally optimistic, but I also don't consider myself generally pessimistic. More likely I am a realist.

re·al·ist Pronunciation -noun
1. a person who tends to view or represent things as they really are.

Just give it to me like it is. Don't sugar coat it, don't coat it in gloom, it is what it is.

So being categorized as pessimistic has sort of got me thinking. What it about my everyday life would have someone see me that way when I don't see myself that way? Am I not self aware? Do they think if you're not optimistic you're pessimistic by default? For me, pessimism has a negative connotation and maybe it shouldn't.

I definitely do not buy into that "secret" philosophy of if you envision it it will happen. I know people with cancer...so if they can truly see themselves without cancer will they become cancer-free? If I envision myself never having another kidney stone will that cure my kidneys? I don't think so. I guess if not buying in makes me a pessimist, that's what I am.

What say you?