The "sympathy sex" strategy might work at home in a relationship for some, but complaining about how much your life sucks doesn't get one very far at the bar - unless standards are very low - and very drunken. People like to feel good about themselves and part of that is being around people who facilitate this through being feel good people. Don't misunderstand this though, in the bar, being a bit of an asshole helps, but it has to be the playful asshole, not the arsehole.
This is the best analogy I've ever met.
Got it, no more pessimistic content. Pink glasses are dressed, I ready to will write positive :)
There is a difference between critical and pessimistic I believe - I can be critical and still remain positive :)