Is cynicism good for someone's wellbeing?

I don’t think it’s a good idea and yes, I’m a bit of a cynic. Try to stay optimistic while keeping it reality-based. I don’t think everyone is motivated purely by self-interest, there are too many good people that go far out of their way to help others. Focus on the positive.

Now lowered expectations, that’s reasonable imo.

Cynicism, like many things, are okay in moderation. It does help you keep a questioning attitude which helps keep you (hopefully) from being duped by shysters. But too much turns into distrust of everyone and everything. And it seems, sometimes, that the line between the two is pretty thin. When you build up distrust, it leads to anxiety and stress which is not good for your wellbeing.

Often time though the cynics are the most hopeless romantics too and they do trust and love. But what happens is they get betrayed once that happens. And then they pretend to be cynical for a while, until the cycle continues. It’s fun.

I understand the thought process about lowering your expectations. That does help in some situations, probably especially when there’s nothing you can do about an outcome anymore. For example, I’m waiting for exam results right now. I do try to tell myself to not count on having gotten a passing grade before I know for sure.

At the same time, there’s mounting evidence about how positive thinking helps you think more creatively, notice opportunities, and simply feel happy, even in the face of disappointment.

From this talk: “Only 25% of job successes are predicted by IQ, 75 percent of job successes are predicted by your optimism levels, your social support and your ability to see stress as a challenge instead of as a threat.”

Absolutely, for the reasons you gave. You’re being realistic, not negative. If you don’t expect the best, you’re less likely to be bummed out when things come out imperfect.

Being too optimistic (Pollyannaish) is just setting yourself up for disappointment.

When I was planning an event, this was my mantra.

Plan for the worst, hope for the best, and things will probably come out all right.

It’s what got me through my life still intact!!! I found that it stopped my stress & actually made my life a whole lot easier to deal with!!! It also made it a whole lot more difficult for someone else to take advantage of me as I was ready & seemed to stay one step ahead of them!!! So, for me, it was actually good for MY well being; but, it doesn’t mean that it’s good for other’s well being!!! Take care of yourself first & don’t walk all over others & you will be just fine!!!

I think maybe a healthy skepticism is better than downright cynicism, which can be toxic.

For survival in this society, yes. For WELLBEING? Au contraire.