Is there a universal definition for what constitutes a bad day? On TikTok, users have been sharing their own quirky accounts of low-key “days from hell,” prompting a reflection on personal experiences. For me, a nightmare scenario would involve rising before 5 am after a restless night, only to find a “morning person” house guest in my kitchen, sipping coffee from my favorite mug and eager to discuss politics.
As I attempt to focus on work, I’d be met with the distracting sounds of pneumatic drilling and music from Capital FM, punctuated by spam calls supposedly from “HMRC.” After an afternoon at the dentist, dinner would consist of plain farfalle, which I consider the least appealing pasta. Later, I’d have to drive somewhere, master the art of parallel parking, and discover upon returning home that I’ve misplaced my keys. Does that resonate with anyone else? Is it merely trivial, a classic case of first world problems?
In my quest for answers, I surveyed TikTok, where numerous influencers showcased their grievances through bullet-point lists on their note-taking apps. Common themes emerged: many noted that their frustrating days often begin with waking up in an unfamiliar home, hungover—an experience that, I agree, isn’t ideal. Additionally, a significant number expressed their dislike for being hot, a reaction likely influenced by the season, as their sentiments might change come winter.
Recurring annoyances included last-minute social obligations that can’t be easily canceled, technological mishaps, and costly exercise classes that feel too wasteful to skip.
However, opinions diverge after those broad complaints. Individual frustrations vary widely, from specific chores to modes of transportation and neighborhoods. There’s an endearing specificity in complaints about arriving at platform 16 at Leeds station, a Hinge date at “Caffè Concerto in Piccadilly Circus,” or the struggle of finding a suitable gift for a young boy in Westfield Stratford. Yet one universal truth resonates across TikTok and, likely, beyond: nothing causes more mild irritation than a mobile phone with less than 10% battery and no charger in sight.
