I’ll admit it: I don’t trust optimists. Maybe it’s my Gen X cynicism, or my resting jerk face (ask anyone in our office), but I simply have a hard time believing people when they “always look on the bright side of life.”

Nonetheless, I do admire them. It takes tremendous courage to face life with a perspective that actively anticipates good outcomes. One which maintains enthusiasm in the face of repeat failures.

But if you think about it, doesn’t every relationship require such an outlook? Doesn’t every marriage, every parent-child connection, every business partnership require a continued positive perspective in spite of regular misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and moments where we just blow it?

Sounds an awful lot like hope. And I hope I get better at it.