Optimistic Realism

I like to think of myself as an optimistic realist. I don't know if this is an actual 'thing' and my mother informed me tonight that optimistic realism isn't possible; nonetheless, I choose to believe that is what I am. Accepting reality but choosing to view it with an optimistic flair, if you will. However, sometimes I think I get too caught up in the 'optimism' part and thus become disappointed in the 'realism' part. At least when it comes to people and my belief in who they are and their potential to become who I think they can be. Too often I find myself seeing only the good in others; their positive attributes, their gifts and talents, who they are on a 'good' day. I subconsciously choose to not remember their faults, their humanity... creating a mega-person of sorts, I guess. So, when my idea of their goodness becomes 'tainted' by their humanity, it throws me for a loop. I don't like it. It messes up my thought-system. My optimistic world view loosens its grip a bit and reality forges ahead, leaving me behind in my let-down mess. And I admit that this is completely my fault. How dare I expect my idea of who someone is, their 'perfect' self, to reign true? Yet, each time that idea of a certain perfection is muddled, I'm still surprised. I'm confused. I'm hurt. Sometimes my optimistic realism is actually what I want reality to be, instead of what it is. It's as if I create my own 'Noah and the Flood' each time it happens. A systematic hurting, healing, learning and moving on. But I'd rather have it this way as opposed to a strictly realistic viewpoint... I like to see the good in others, in the world... I like the opportunity for growth, for perseverance, for hope.