Optimists have a positive outlook, while pessimists have a negative outlook. Which mentality is healthier? The answer might seem obvious; people should think optimistically because positive thoughts are happier! However, optimism is a mindset that doesn't necessarily equate to long-term mental health. Although pessimism is not as cheerful, it is more realistic because reality is not always positive. Pessimism is preparatory, while optimism produces a temporal, ignorant, and unrealistic joy that leads to exaggerated pain. For this reason, a pessimistic outlook is healthier than a negative one