Faking it

You stock up on cough syrup, cook some soup and sport your best Florence Nightingale smile...only to find your allegedly sick boyfriend doing jumping jacks in the living room.

Busted.

We've hit a time of year when it's common to complain about flu-like symptoms. And for every genuine ailment, there's about 50 people hoping they've finally mastered the art of faking an illness.

Here, YourTango discusses the tendency to extend -- or even fake -- illness to get extra attention or sympathy from your significant other.

Sure, it's not the best relationship practice. But sometimes you just don't want to let go of the warm fuzzy feelings that come with having somebody deliver you a bread bowl on a nightly basis.

Intent on faking illness? Check out Gawker's rules for calling in sick. Hint: Don't say you have food poisoning.