Being realistic has a lot of benefits. You are the epitome of someone who hopes for the best but expects the worst. This is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, I argue that being realistic opens your world up to a variety of positive energy, not negative. Here’s why:

The reason he is not texting you back is because he is actively choosing not to. Chances are that he did not just “forget” to respond. Even if he did “forget,” he is probably not interested as exemplified by his lack of care to prioritize a simple text back. To sit here and think of hundreds of positive reasons as to why he did not text you back is a sub-conscious defense mechanism to prevent yourself from, inevitably, getting upset. By coming to terms with reality, you allow yourself to not be disappointed. I know, the truth hurts. Realistic people are the bluntest people you will ever meet because we're quite literally just very honest people.

I know, this all sounds kind of depressing in retrospect. However, I have to disagree. Acknowledging a worst case scenario before a best case scenario expands your mind into being more prepared physically, mentally, and emotionally for the worst. Because if the worst case scenario does come, you will know exactly how to handle the situation and approach it since you have actively thought about it. That is what a realist does (no, not the artistic realist). Unfortunately, the worst case scenario is more often than not going to be the outcome of most situations and watching people hold these high expectations only to be disappointed is more depressing and negative than watching them laugh off the truth and come to terms with reality.

“Facing reality” is a term most commonly associated with people who cannot seem to understand the gravity of their situation. Staying positive and being realistic at the same time are totally plausible. Hence “hope for the best, expect the worst.” People who are realistic keep their head up and prepare for the worst at the same time. That is precisely why people who are realistic are able to move on a lot quicker than people who cannot anticipate disappointment. Anticipation can be heavily anxiety-inducing, which is why realistic people tend to be less fazed when they are let down. It is coming to terms with life’s slaps in the face before life actually slaps you in the face. That way, you have less of a mental scarring and more of a mental strength.

Yes, we can be very blunt and sometimes unemotional individuals. This is because we’ve either already been through exactly what you’re going through or can analyze situations with the snap of a finger and lay out exactly what will and will not happen based on observation. Having someone be realistic with you means that their honesty is straight forward and there is no beating around the bush to appeal to your sensitivity. It’s tough love people, how else will you hear the message loud and clear?

Whatever the weather, being realistic is a very strong and positive trait that trains you to be that much stronger and that much more prepared for whatever the inevitable may be. Wishful thinking is a tall tale and not getting a text back because of disinterest is not. Sorry not sorry, just trying to be realistic here.