They call those who look at the glass as half empty, "pessimists". Those who see it as half full are called "optimists". So what do you call someone who sees the positive in a gas tank that's half full because you can't afford to fill it? No idea, but according to a recent Time Magazine article, there are at least 10 positive things we can take away from the nearly doubling of our fuel costs. And since it doesn't look like we'll ever see the price drop below $4 per gallon again, we might a well look for the silver lining. No matter how thin and barely visible it is.

Among Time's reasons for celebrating, or at least embracing, more expensive fuel:

Globalized jobs come home.
Since it costs so much to ship products made over seas, it's making some manufacturers start returning to US factories.
Result: More jobs at home, and people get to "buy American".

Sprawl stalls.
Building homes farther out into the suburbs has stopped as people look to move closer to the cities to shorten their commute.
Result: suburban areas stop looking like urban cities, and home values closer to cities rise.

Four-day workweeks.
According to Time, some colleges, companies and governments are moving to a four-day week to save on fuel and energy costs.
Result: One community college saved $268,000 in costs over one summer session. And companies are seeing a dramatic drop in sick leave and turnover as well.

Less pollution.
Because people can't afford to drive, they are staying home.
Result: Less pollution from emissions, with less toxins in the air. According to a study by Time, about 2,200 lives have already been saved due to the decrease in pollution from driving.

More frugality.
Companies are watching what they spend, and people are buying more efficient cars.
Result: small car and scooter sales are up, big SUV sales are down.

Fewer traffic deaths.
Less cars on the road, less chance for accidents.
Result: Time cites a study of accidents that shows about 40,000 people die in traffic accidents each year. If gas stays at $4, they predict about 1,000 less people per month will die on the roads.

Cheaper insurance.
Driving less could let you qualify for cheaper insurance. Not driving to work could get you classified as a "pleasure driver".
Result: 10%-15% savings on your annual insurance premiums.

Less traffic.
When it's more expensive to drive people either stay home, or take public transit. That frees up the roads.
Result: the Federal Highway Administration said traffic on all roads has already dropped 2.1% in the first four months of this year.

More cops on the beat.
Cities are telling cops to cut their cruiser use.
Result: More cops on foot and bikes, meaning better community relations and slimmer cops, according to Time.

Less obesity.
High fuel costs mean people are walking and biking more, and eating out less.
Result: People get healthier. One study cited by Time showed a $1 hike in gas prices can result in a 10% drop in the obesity rate.

To read the complete Time article, click here.