Cynicism can feel like quicksand; the deeper you delve, the tougher it becomes to break free and emerge.

"Cynicism is not realistic and tough. It's unrealistic and kind of cowardly because it means you don't have to try." - Peggy Noonan [President Ronald Reagan's speech writer]. [Ronald Reagan served as the 40th President of the United States, holding office from January 20, 1981, to January 20, 1989.]

"If you live long enough, you'll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you'll be a better person. It's how you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit." - Bill Clinton [Bill Clinton served as the 42nd President of the United States, holding office from January 20, 1993, to January 20, 2001.]

I’m not cynical, but I refuse to ignore the warning signs." How do you know the signs?

The signs and examples of cynicism can manifest in:

1) Distrust: constant suspicion or skepticism towards the sincerity of others' actions.

2) Pessimism: A consistently negative outlook on life, expecting the worst in every situation.

3) Criticism: Habitual criticism of people, ideas, or events without offering constructive feedback.

4) Disengagement: A lack of interest or involvement in activities or relationships due to a belief that they are ultimately futile or meaningless.

5) Hostility: A general feeling of anger or resentment towards others or the world in general.

6) Jadedness: Feeling emotionally numb or detached, refusing to engage in meaningful relationships due to a belief that they will inevitably end in disappointment. .

7) Defeatism: Belief in a sense of resignation or hopelessness.

8) Skepticism: Excessive doubt or disbelief in the validity of information or beliefs, even in the face of evidence.

9) Cynical humor: Using sarcasm or dark humor as a coping mechanism to mask deeper feelings of cynicism or disillusionment.