system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
CMV: There is nothing wrong with hoping for the best, but expecting the worst.

Often times when I apply this logic to a given situation and am questioned by friends, family, etc. Their usual response is, "You should be more positive" or "You shouldn't expect bad things to happen".

I'll be honest, I view myself as a "realistic pessimist", meaning that I tend to view things for what they are, but also, more often than not, lean towards a more negative approach to certain circumstances. This isn't to say that I can't see the good in anything, but if a situation is a heaping pile of garbage, then that's what it is. I don't see a point in sugar-costing it.

Back to the original point. I don't always use this way of thinking. I apply it when I'm in similar circumstances and previous results have ended with disappointment. Due to my tendency to view things in a realistic way, I assume the same outcome will happen, solely based on my previous experiences. This is pretty much the heart of my misunderstanding. Why should I expect anything different to happen in nearly identical situations? Hopeless optimism will only lead to more disappointment, so if I prepare myself now, I can ease myself into disappointment.

I'm not sure how much sense I'm making, so if something needs clarifying, I'll do so to the best of my ability.
gpt
Look up "Self fulfilling prophecy" It's a psychological phenomenon, wherein someone's expectations subconsciously influence their behavior to confirm those prior expectations.

Basically, if you think you're going to have a bad time, you might unknowingly cause yourself to act in ways that will result in you having a bad time. If you think you're going to have a good time, then the opposite is also true.

EDIT: Spelling. Also redacted a specific term and made it more general so as to suit multiple situations OP might be referring to, not just social ones.