I have to admit, while I personally view myself as an optimist by nature, I come from an immediate and extended family which could redefine what it means to be cynical. Often, I will initially chuckle when hearing my siblings (6 brothers, 1 sister) and uncles characterize an individual or situation in less than glowing terms. The busting on each other typically continues until somebody goes over the line. That happens fairly regularly.

Invariably, a number of my brothers, uncles, and I will not be able to restrain ourselves from laughing, while the individual targeted for the good-natured ridicule exits the conversation often cursing under his breath. Such is life in a close-knit, Boston Irish Catholic family.

That strong, competitive, acerbic cynicism does not end at Mom’s kitchen door but carries over into the workplace. My immediate and extended family largely pursued careers in the legal and investment fields. Both career paths have allowed our cynical wit to flourish. Why do I raise this topic? (more…)