I've been using "cynic" and "pessimist" interchangeably. Just happened to look them up today.
Pessimist: One who assumes a situation will go badly rather than well.
I admit to being pessimist more often than optimist. The condition has been advanced greatly during the last 4 years.
Cynic: One who attributes all actions as motivated by selfishness.
I'm cynical regarding politics as a rule, but otherwise not.
So I have to relinquish my cynic card.
Pass-Packing Pessimist.
