Cute Quiz

[CB123]

I was looking on the web at the term "defensive pessimism" and came across a quiz that someone created to determine whether one is a defensive pessimist or a strategic optimist:

http://www.wellesley.edu/Psychology/Norem/Quiz/quiz.html


Surprisingly, I scored exactly in the middle--I am either or both.

CB

[lighter]

Defensive Pessimist here

[changing]

Hi CB-

Perhaps you are a Defensive Optimist or a Strategic Pessimist?

Hugs,

Changing

[teartracks]

Hi CB,
 
I was going to start a pessimism/optimissim thread, then got tied up (pun intended) , but when I saw your Cute Quiz thread, voila...no need to start another.  Right here, I could throw out a little food for thought on inconsistencies I  saw in the brief discussion of 'defensive pessimism'  on the Intimacy thread.   Now, I haven't earned any bragging rights to either perspective,  but thought a little discussion of it might be fun for any whose bent is toward science or engineering or for that matter plain old nit picking!      And besides, it might give us a break from talking about our symptoms!  Ooops, I guess it is a symptom!
 
Storm, I haven't quoted your entire post from the Intimacy thread here, but I think this is the essence of what you were saying...
 
You said:  What it really is, is simple contingency planning.
 
You look at a situation, ask yourself, 'now, what's the worst that could happen here? Realistically?'
 
And then you prepare for that eventuality.
 
That's defensive pessimism. Every decent scientist, every good engineer uses it. It used to be called 'thinking ahead'. Me... I call it 'common sense', but I'm biased.

I thought, why wouldn't they (the scientist and engineers) use both approaches to broaden their scope?

 
Now, on the other hand, one thing I really, really like about the term 'defensive pessimism' ....
 
.... is that its natural opposite is 'offensive optimism' !
 
**Snort** .... just think about what that might look like ....
 
[really, really icky revolting guys hitting on you in bars, for one. Offensively optimistic for sure! ]
 
Storm

What?


Now, on the other hand, one thing I really, really like about the term 'offensive optimism'........is that its natural opposite is 'defensive pessimism'!  **Snort**....just think about what that might look like .... [really, really icky revolting guys hitting on you in bars, for one.  Defensively pessimistic for sure!

Just thought I'd spin it the other way for fun.   

CB, thanks for the quiz.  I think the term 'strategic optimism' is closer to the mark than offensive optimist.  I scored right down the middle too. 

tt 

[Lupita]

deffensive pesimist here. 

[Hopalong]

Sigh. Dang quizzes.
Your total is 49. You may use both strategies or neither strategy consistently.

Perhaps there's some other test which results in cute middle-aged nice men hitting on me in a polite fashion at the farmers' market? 

Hops

[teartracks]

I hope so, Hops  .  I want the one wearing bib overalls driving an old red pickup!  Ooooohh la la!

tt

[teartracks]

Hi CB-

Perhaps you are a Defensive Optimist or a Strategic Pessimist?

Hugs,

changing

or a 'flexible optimist'

tt

[Sela]

Hiya all!

Hey Hops!  Mine was 44 with the same message.

First........you have to find a flattering outfit and smile because you're just feeling good (hold that smile).
Next.......find all flea markets in your area a plan your route well to all (leave no corner untravelled).
Third......attend flea market and converse happily with anyone you come into contact with (regardless of age--which I picture you doing automatically and naturally, anyhow).
Then.....if you see a nice, polite looking middle-aged man, smiling and happily talking to people.....

..........accidently spill your shopping on the floor infront of him and smile, again, when he offers to help you pick it up.

No guarantees.....but my day dream for you Hoppy.  Hope it comes true!

  Sela

[Hopalong]

Thank you ((((((((Sela)))))))) and (((((TT))))))).

The man is doomed.

I am lurking behind the tomato bin and have him in my sights!

heh heh.

Romantically,
Hops

[lighter]

Oh what a fun thread, lol.

So glad to be getting back to it: )

[Stormchild]

Storm, I haven't quoted your entire post from the Intimacy thread here, but I think this is the essence of what you were saying...
 
You said:  What it really is, is simple contingency planning.
 
You look at a situation, ask yourself, 'now, what's the worst that could happen here? Realistically?'
 
And then you prepare for that eventuality.
 
That's defensive pessimism. Every decent scientist, every good engineer uses it. It used to be called 'thinking ahead'. Me... I call it 'common sense', but I'm biased.

I thought, why wouldn't they (the scientist and engineers) use both approaches to broaden their scope?

I thought, why wouldn't they (the scientist and engineers) use both approaches to broaden their scope?

Umm... where did I say they wouldn't? When have I said I don't?

[teartracks]

Hey Storm,

Umm... where did I say they wouldn't?     You didn't.  When have I said I don't?  You haven't.   Got me didn't you?    

And if my 'theory' of defensive pessimism being inverted optimism (now I know to call it strategic optimism), is accurate, then a decent scientist could hardly help seeing it from both, could they? 


tt