critical: (krit-i-kuh[image]l) finding fault

Her mother was very critical of her grades because she wanted her to make something out of herself.

conventional: (kuh[image]n-ven-shuh-nl) lacking sponteneity, originality, and individuality

The coach told her that her conventional style of play would never get her playing time.

earnest: (ur-nist) intense, sincere state of mind

And I'm an earnest, progressive historian.

gloomy: (gloo-mee) darkness, sadness, rejection

The gloomy skies reflected her melancholic mood.

optimistic

optimistic: (op-tuh-mis-tik) hopeful, cheerful

An optomistic person sees the glass half full rather than half empty.