Ignoring and Denying

I know someone who spent their whole existence both ignoring and denying the "facts of life" (= something unavoidable that must be dealt with). Is this a positive or a negative attitude? Whatever it is, it is certainly a defense mechanism. Something unpleasant happens and, as you don't like it and don't want to face it, you choose to ignore it. When the situation is set, unchangeable, when you don't have any responsibility whatsoever in it, ignoring it can be an acceptable decision. Otherwise it is only a sign of cowardice. When, on the other hand, you are forced to face the unpleasant situation and deny it, try to find excuses to get away from it, you are simply, desperately avoiding the evidence. Attempting to prove the opposite of what "is", is only a sign of stubbornness.