I rarely get into my stuff with others. They just can't understand and really aren't all that interested so I think it is best to just skip it. Unless it is something that is visible I just say "fine" or "hanging in there" when asked how I am.

I think malingering is more about someone trying to get out of work or life's responsibilities more so than having multiple real or even embelished ailments.

We use it at work when someone is content to hang out on the psych unit for what is called "three hots and a cot" although the truth is there really is a mental illness component to someone who is willing to be dependent and go to such lengths to avoid life.

I really don't think any of us are malingerers in the clinical sense.