Forced false positivity, often seen in the form of asking someone to just think positive in difficult situations, is not the same as genuine optimism. Genuine optimism involves acknowledging the reality, believing in a better future, and actively working to create that future. Research shows that the absence of pessimism is more important for health and well-being than the presence of extreme optimism. It's not always necessary to look on the bright side, but being shielded from the dark side is crucial to avoid becoming fatalistic. Pessimism can lead to neglecting health-promoting activities and creating self-fulfilling prophecies, while optimism fosters proactive steps towards a different outcome.