Between the optimist and the pessimist, the difference is droll. The optimist sees the doughnut; the pessimist the hole!

A pessimist is somebody who complains about the noise when opportunity knocks.

Some people are optimists. Some people are pessimists. I'm just a realist who believes that some things are worth fighting for.

...studies show that in general, optimists die ten years earlier than pessimists."
"I find that hard to believe"
"Of course you do, you're an optimist. You have a misguided belief that things will go your way. You don't see the dangers till it's too late. Pessimists are more realistic.
"That seems like a sad way to govern your life."
"It's a safe way to govern your life.

The man who sees both sides of a question is a man who sees absolutely nothing

May the pain you have known and the conflict you have experienced give you the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with courage and optimism.