EXAGGERATING your problems to get attention has finally been given a trendy name, ‘sadfishing’. Here’s how to get the most out of this worthwhile activity.
Channel your manipulative inner child
Remember when you cut your knee and cried for ages to get sweets? You were ‘sadfishing’ your mum. Use a similar technique now, eg. if you’re a bit glum at work, sit there sighing suicidally until colleagues are forced to bring you some cake or take you for a pint.
Be organised with your problems
It’s easy to feel sorry for yourself, ring a friend and drone on for ages. Stop. Instead make a spreadsheet containing ALL your friends and ALL your problems. Then work through them systematically so that no one misses out on your deep sadness at needing to get your boiler fixed.
Make yourself look sadder online
Sad face emojis are no longer enough. Instead post pictures of your own depressed face, which you’ve prepped by repeatedly poking yourself in both eyes. For every burst blood vessel you’ll get 10 more ‘U OK hun?’s.
Self-define as ‘brave’
Post a ‘brave’ no make-up selfie, even though it took hours to look like you had no make-up on. Alternatively make a ‘brave’ confession like not having many friends when you were 12. People won’t dare to point out it’s not really ‘brave’ like taking on an armed robber.
Watch out for opportunities to be miserable
If you see someone else sadfishing, join in and escalate it until it’s all about you. They’re upset their pet has died? Jump in and tell them about every dead pet you’ve ever had. It’s fine to make up a few childhood guinea pigs, and even a beloved dog.
