So currently I'm going through a somewhat depressing phase and I feel like I can't keep a happy face, constantly thinking about the problems of my private life. I've been reading a lot about inner game and self improvement within the last 2 years, though. This morning, while being a little bit down I came up with the fallowing approach to solve my problem and it actually worked for me.

As you all know, one of the reasons someone feels unhappy is a case when one feels 'unwanted'. Just like when a girlfriend breaks up with you. To get back out there you need to feel wanted again, therefore you'd have to become again attractive to other people. "Fake it until you make it" I believe helps you out a lot here. I don't believe you can fake happiness all day long when yo do go through a tough time but you can surely ask yourself: "Can I fake it for at least 5 minutes?" and the answer should be: "Yes, of course! That I could do!". Also, you don't necessarily have to be attractive in a sexual way - thus, try to gain attention from guys, too. It's all about approval, no matter whom it is from, in what way, what time of the day and where it happens.

When I ran into a coworker this morning she wasn't smiling - and I tried to fake being happy. Not in an excessive but more natural, confident and calm way. I asked her why she had lost her smile and she told me she didn't sleep well and she's being annoyed. But mostly annoyed by herself. I then told her she should stop annoying herself - that's probably why she didn't get enough sleep in the first place. It made her laugh a little bit and she smiled again. She then asked me how I was and I said I'm really well. She then said: "Yeah, I can see that. You look really relaxed and happy right now." That alone boosted my energy for at least 10 minutes. Never before got I such a response for just answering a simple "how are you" question.

So I think doing baby steps by faking happiness can help you achieving real happiness since after a while more and more people think you are happy thus being more attracted to you - women and men. This sort of generates a social support group for you thus making you feel more wanted

I haven't read all posts in the entire forum, obviously. I'm sure I'm not the first one to come up with this. Anyone want's to share some thoughts about this?