the opposite of cynicism is not naivety

just because I refuse to become cynical and bitter, does not mean I am naive. 

It means I refuse to be hardened by life's unpleasant experiences and, in spite of life's unpleasant experiences, choose to be optimistic as my ultimate act of defiance. 

edit @  july 3rd, 2024 @ 2351 EST
after writing the above, I found myself singing "Cynicism" by Nana Grizol in my head on repeat:

cynicism isn't wisdom; it's a lazy way to say that you've been burned. it seems, if anything, you'd be less certain after everything you ever learned.

(written from memory, so I may have made an error or two.)