Don’t Be A Cynic
July 17, 2024
Have you ever noticed that friend who rolls their eyes at every good idea? Or the coworker who assumes that the other person will always default on commitments made? Or the child who becomes defensive at everything the parent says because she feels there is some hidden agenda? These are all examples of cynicism in action.
Maya Angelou put it nicely, “A cynical young person is almost the saddest sight to see because it means that he or she has gone from knowing nothing to believing nothing.”
A cynic is someone who generally distrusts the motives of others and believes people are mainly driven by selfishness. Cynics tend to have a negative outlook and expect the worst in situations.
Maybe your boss gives you unexpected praise because they genuinely appreciate your work (not just buttering you up). Perhaps that friend’s crazy plan turns into an unforgettable adventure. Maybe the parent’s suggestion has some value.
It is true – life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. But a healthy dose of optimism is necessary to open doors to new experiences and connections. There is no upside to being a cynic. Learn to see the good in possibilities; you will be surprised by what you find.
