13 Truths About Being An Eternal Optimist (As Written By One)
Happiness is a priority.
dean drobot / shutterstock If there’s one single characteristic that’s carried me through every terrible date, bitter break-up, sleeping with my ex, and trying my hardest to not give up on this elusive thing called love, it’s my eternal optimism.
Know that emoji that’s smiling and has hearts for eyes? That’s me.
What does it mean to be an eternal optimist?
Being an eternal optimist means always looking on the bright side and having hope, no matter what obstacles might attempt to push you off your path.
Optimism is incredibly attractive. In fact, more than anything else I value in a future partner — and in myself — is a person’s ability to see the bright side of things and to put others before himself to bring a bit more happiness into the world.
I've been called a little naive before and told that I look through rose-colored glasses, but what can I say? I like the view from here! It’s positive, encouraging, and keeps me keepin’ on.
Plus, being an optimist (and being with an optimist) is far better than being or dating a pessimist, which leads to a more depressing and unfulfilled life (though pessimism might actually be good for relationships, believe it or not).
So if you're planning to be with me, here are a few things you should know about loving an eternal optimist.
1. Eternal optimists don’t understand or tolerate constant negativity.
I’ve had a few boyfriends who were so incredibly draining that they put me in a bad headspace. I noticed it — and so did my friends and family — and it was a big reason why those relationships ultimately ended.
Don’t get me wrong: I can be negative sometimes, too, but I'm really quick to snap out of it.
Men who want to consistently complain, gripe, put themselves and everyone else down, and overall be a grouch are utterly exhausting to me.
2. They have an insane amount of energy.
Not only do I rock that weekday work groove, but I also freelance, manage my blog, walk my dog, sweat it out at five workout classes, meet my friends for dinner, go on a date or two, check-off my errands, pay my bills, balance my savings account and squeeze in a facial or a mani/pedi... every week.
And yes, I do sleep but I don’t need much of the Zzzs.
I like to live a lot of life, see all that I can and experience every moment. So have your Netflix binge, but the next day, we’re totally going kickboxing.
3. They can't walk past a baby, a puppy, or a pretty blue sky.
Trust me, I've tried. I see the baby coming in its stroller or wobbling on those chunky toddler legs and I know the mature thing to do is to just keep walking, but then those cheeks smile at me and I’m done for. Same goes for a puppy and for a clear blue sky with puffy clouds.
4. They're very sensitive.
I'm not very good at sarcasm. I think it’s funny, but I’m not fluent and sometimes it makes me feel uncomfortable. I also don’t respond well when someone can’t think of anything to say that’s kind or they’re stuck in a downward-spiraling negativity rut.
The only downward I really approve of is downward dog. Namaste.
5. Making you happy is a huge priority for them.
It’s a habit that’s hard to break, but one I know you’ll like: I’m going to surprise you with so many things.
Like your favorite breakfast when you wake up or that dress you'll want to claw off of me. Or tickets to your favorite band. Or a note tucked in your coat pocket.
6. They need you to be attentive and animated in bed.
Seriously, dudes who are quiet in bed? It creeps me out. Make some noise, sweets. Tell me what you want. Show me. Trust me, I’m listening, I’m excited and I’m eager.
7. They volunteer for too many things.
I need to learn to put my hand down and relax instead of being first to lead something. It's just, well... I want to be part of everything.
I hope you'll help me be a follower sometimes.
8. They don’t freak out often, but when they do, it's intense.
Like any addict, when I’ve had too much of my optimism drug and suddenly find myself feeling negative, I come crashing down.
It’s messy, it’s snotty, it’s those big splashy tears and red-faced sighs that’ll make you think I’m having a panic attack. I’m not — I’m just getting it all out so I can get back to being that perky babe you love. Bear with me.
9. They don’t see life half-full, they see it overflowing with champagne.
L'Chaim!
10. They don’t just like romance; they expect it.
No, you don’t need to shower me with roses (tulips are fine), tell me I’m beautiful every waking second of every day (but like, a few times a week?), or read me poetry (unless it’s e.e. cummings), but I won’t hate it if you do.
And if you stop romancing me, I’ll probably notice and ask if the bodega stopped selling the $10 bouquets.
11. They do things without expecting much in return because it makes them happy.
I engage in acts of kindness just to make people believe a little bit more in the magic of the universe. Nothing more or less. It's cheesy, but very sincere.
12. They believe in signs.
Like that time I asked for a sign that love was coming and my "Love Never Fails" plaque in my room came crashing down in the middle of the night a few hours later. Or right before something big happened in my life, I found a shiny penny.
They’re everywhere! (And yes, I’ll be pointing them out to you.)
13. They won’t give up on you.
Because that’s just not in my vocabulary or my belief system. The best is always yet to come, no matter how great the good is now.
So, we might have our bad times, we may struggle, we may fight, we and will likely not always get along but through it all, the eternal optimist in me will never let us forget those two crazy kids who had enough faith in themselves to fall in love.
Lindsay Tigar is a writer, editor, and blogger living in New York City.