Why can't I just be negative?

Asked by tinyfaery (44107) November 7th, 2014 from iPhone

Most of you know I have struggled with depression for decades. I move from therapist to therapist never getting much help.

I started seeing a new therapist recently. We talked and did the normal first visit stuff and the subject of my negativity and pessimism came up.

For the first time ever this person said to me, “what’s wrong with being negative?” What’s wrong with being a pessimist and seeing the flaws in everything and anyone? She said it’s rare to find someone who will tell the truth, who can see the flaws and make them known.

No one has ever said this to me. Almost everyone gives me the ‘find what makes you happy’ or ‘look on the bright side’ bullshit that has never been of help to me. For the first time I can see myself as being negative and being okay about it.

Is this some sort of therapist faux pas? Why can’t I just be negative without the world putting me down and disregarding my thoughts and feelings? Is being a Debbie Downer, a pessimist and a blunt truth teller a valid way to live?

Question is in General.