I’ve always found slices of good in everything. I’ve championed the benefit of the doubt. I’ve focused on others’ intentions behind their behavior instead of the behavior itself. But in certain areas, including a recent hobby, I’ve found my approach to be the opposite, struggling to see past perceived imperfections. Have I suddenly removed my blinders to see the world as it really is? Is this a harbinger of things to come as my age creeps upward? Is it healthy? Dangerous? Can we be optimists and realists simultaneously? Let’s explore how our view of the world may clash with our view of ourselves.