Being relentlessly upbeat and cheerful is seen as an important aspiration, while those who are faintly critical of their future are seen as being part of the ‘pity party’, writes Louise Ellis

We are told that those who strive to be positive, seeing the sunny side of life, or viewing situations from a ‘glass half-full’ perspective, will have better health and live longer. However, some experts warn that optimism can create a naïve headiness, and could even have helped cause the recent financial meltdown. 'Defensive pessimism' could help us to evaluate our lives more carefully, and therefore protect ourselves from future problems.

READ MORE