when did it become fashionable to be "unhappy"?

Recently, i've noticed that people "pretend" like they have problems so others will ask how they're doing and they get to be the centre of our talks during lunch. i thought about this, and i guess now i consider this to be a great way for attention seeking, at least for a short period of time. but people always find out if you make things up. so in the long run, seeking attention from others for your so-called problems which doesn't exist, doesn't really do you any good. and also, its really obvious when you're making it up, because, and maybe its just me, but you don't tell everyone at your lunch table, and anyone else who'll listen, what you're going  through if you really are going through a tough time. 


i know it gets you lots and lots of attention, this "making up problems" business. but it doesn't really get you anywhere, and i personally think it's a waste of time. and again, its just a personal opinion, but i think it's better to be happy and have people around because its fun to be around you, than you having people listen to your fake stories about being hurt. or being depressed or whatever.