Having knowledge and experience with certain situations, people, does not have to make one P,C, or J, it simply means that with experience and discernment you learn to avoid the holes in the sidewalk that you used to fall into easily.
I don’t consider myself pessimistic, cynical or jaded if I observe & recognize red flag behaviors with people that I know, from experience, are not going to be conducive to a healthy and progressive relationship. This could be work, friendships, romantic interests, business transactions, etc.
Yes, life and people are ever evolving, but one must make decisions based on the present moment realities of all situations. Whenever my mind wants to go into a negative place I go universal, meaning, I realize and remember how really insignificant this illusionary world of form really is. ;-)
I can have understanding and empathy but I can also choose to not involve myself.
It’s taken me a lot of years to realize that discernment is a good thing and having a realistic view is healthy.