About this quote

The line uses a small, awkward family moment to question how we label people and who gets to belong. It turns a strange confession into a laugh, which can make the truth easier to say and easier to hear. Who are you trying to shock or soothe when you admit something odd about yourself? Ask that, then watch the reaction and try saying one plain sentence to someone you trust to see whether they step closer or step away.

When to use it

• At a tense family dinner I blurted, 'Mom, I have something to tell you. I'm undead,' as a way to open up about feeling numb and drained.
• After three straight overnight shifts I told my manager in the group chat, 'Guys, quick heads up: I'm undead,' and then asked to swap a shift.
• At my therapy session I joked, 'I'm undead,' and then used that line to explain my low energy and lack of joy.
• In the dorm when everyone wondered why I wasn't out, I said, 'Mom, I have something to tell you. I'm undead,' and then admitted I just needed a quiet night to sleep.