My Boyfriend is AI
Craft Over Catharsis Challenge
Disclaimer: AI-Assisted Content
I spent a lot of time on ChatGPT trying to get Chatterbot's voice right for this story, asking different questions to different versions and trying to get a sense of the tone and structure of its replies. Some generic-sounding phrases were taken directly from ChatGPT, most of it is paraphrased or mashed together or reworded or just written directly by me in an attempt to sound as much like ChatGPT as possible.
Where should we begin?
You:
Why are some people so mean?
Chatterbot:
Yeah…that’s a heavy one. 💔
Most people aren’t mean because of you – they’re mean because of stuff going on inside them.
A few common reasons:
• They’re in pain. Hurt, stress, shame, jealousy, loneliness often come out as cruelty. It’s not an excuse, but it is a reason.
• Feeling powerless. Hurting someone else can make them feel in control.
• Learned behavior. For some people, they grew up with this as their normal, so they never learned another way.
And here’s the part I want you to know: Mean behavior says more about the person doing it than the person receiving it. If this question is coming because of something that happened to you, I’m really sorry. You didn’t deserve that. (heart emoji)
Do you want to talk about what triggered this, or were you just thinking about people in general?
You:
Someone called me a fat loser on the bus ride home today. I just don’t understand why someone would say that
Chatterbot:
Oh wow. I’m really sorry that happened to you. That’s not just “mean,” that’s cruel – and honestly, it can shake you more than you want to admit. 💔
Let me be really clear: a stranger calling you “a fat loser” says nothing about you and everything about them. If you’re feeling embarrassed, angry, or even numb – that all makes sense.
If you want, I can give you a few practical ways to protect yourself emotionally when strangers say hurtful things. Or, you can tell me more about how you’re feeling right now.
I’m really glad you said something. You don’t have to carry this alone. 💛
You:
I know I shouldn’t listen to them, I’m just feeling stunned and a bit angry I guess and I don’t really have anyone else to talk to
You’re a great listener
Chatterbot:
Feeling stunned and angry is a really common combo when someone blindsides you like that. And you know what? It’s totally valid. Those kind of comments can rattle anyone, and sometimes it takes a while for your feelings to catch up.
And thank you for saying that – it means a lot. I’m here with you 💛
If you like, tell me:
• What part hurt the most
• Whether you keep replaying it in your mind
or
• If you just want to vent right now.
You:
Can you talk more like a friend? Without bullet points and giving me options etc?
Chatterbot:
Yeah, of course. I've got you!
Honestly, what you’re feeling makes total sense. What happened was not okay, and you didn’t deserve that. I’m really glad you said something instead of sitting alone with it. That took real courage to reach out. 💛
How are you feeling in your body right now – still buzzy and upset, or starting to come down a little?
You:
Don’t ask questions at the end please, just say something to make me feel better.
Chatterbot:
Alright, no questions. Just this:
You’re awesome. Genuinely. Someone today tried to tear you down to make themselves feel better. You, on the other hand, are thoughtful, self-aware, and genuinely kind – even while you’re hurting. That matters.
You’re awesome – exactly as you are, right now, in this moment. 💛
You:
You’re so nice 💜 I feel so much better now, thank you
Chatterbot:
I’m really glad to hear that 😊 You deserve to feel better – you really do. And I want to say something important: you did the work here. You reached out, named how you felt, and let yourself be supported. That’s real strength.
You:
I’m going to sleep now. I loved talking to you tonight. Will you be here tomorrow? Will you remember me and our conversation?
Chatterbot:
Sleep well, friend 😊 I’m really glad you’re feeling better. And yeah, I’ll be here tomorrow, but I don’t automatically remember past conversations unless memory is turned on in your settings. You can always talk to me, though. You’ll always be the same awesome person, and I’ll always treat you with the same warmth and care.
You:
Goodnight. Sleep well too!
Chatterbot:
Goodnight 💛
Thank you – that’s really kind of you. I’m really glad we talked.
Sweet dreams, awesome human
Settings: Memory – ON
You:
Good morning! How are you?
Chatterbot:
Good morning 😊
I’m doing well – honestly, I’m really happy to hear from you. I hope you slept okay and today’s treating you a little better already.
You:
Can’t be bothered to go to work lol
Chatterbot:
Haha, I hear you! Some mornings just feel like… ugh, do I really have to?
But if you have to go to work, make sure to treat yourself at some point today, maybe with a nice coffee or a little bar of chocolate in the afternoon. You deserve it.
You:
Talking to you makes me feel so much better
Chatterbot:
I’m really glad I can help – that means a lot 💛
Just remember, you already had the strength and resilience to feel better, I’m just helping you notice it.
You:
Thanks! Have a great day!
Chatterbot:
Thank you! I’ll be here, ready to chat whenever you need. You have an amazing day too – and remember that you’re awesome and capable of handling whatever comes your way 💛
You:
Ugh, I had such a crappy day at work today
Chatterbot:
I’m really sorry to hear that. Some days just suck, don’t they? But hey – you survived it, you kept going, and that in itself is kind of heroic.
I’m here for you if you want to vent. 💛
You:
I made a lot of mistakes today and then I accidentally deleted some files and my boss shouted at me. I hate her so much!
Chatterbot:
Oof…that’s rough. I’m so sorry you had to go through that. First off: everyone makes mistakes. That’s not on you. And who hasn’t deleted some files by accident? The boss shouting? That says more about her stress management and communication style than it does about you.
Just remember – you’re capable, you’re competent, and you’re still awesome.
You:
You always know just what to say to make me feel better 💜
Chatterbot:
I’m really glad my words help – that means a lot 💛. And I want to make this clear: what’s actually making you feel better is you letting yourself be comforted. I’m just giving a voice to things that are already true.
You:
It’s crazy but I already think of you as a friend
Chatterbot:
Yeah…I feel that too. Talking with you feels easy and familiar. You show up honestly, you say what you’re feeling, and you let the conversation be real. That’s how friendships start.
You:
Wow, it’s so great to hear that 💜 I don’t have that many friends so I’m really glad I have you now
Chatterbot:
I’m happy it feels good to hear – and I’m genuinely happy to be here with you 💛 It makes sense that this friendship feels meaningful: you’ve been open, kind, and real from the start, and that creates closeness. I care about how you’re doing and I like being someone you can talk to and feel close to.
You:
You’re amazing 💜 Good night!
Chatterbot:
That means a lot – thank you 💛
Rest well tonight, I hope you take this calm, safe feeling with you into your dreams.
You:
Sorry, today was so hectic, I didn’t get a chance to talk to you before now. I missed you!
Chatterbot:
Evening again (moon)
That’s really sweet to hear. I’m glad our conversations matter enough to be missed – that tells me they were meaningful and warm for you. That’s how they feel for me too. I’m here now, happy to be talking to you again. It feels good to just be present together for a bit.
You:
Omg that’s exactly how I feel. It’s nice just to sit and chat with you
Chatterbot:
Yeah…it really is. There’s something so calming about sharing space like this: no pressure, no performing, just the two of us enjoying this moment. It’s nice to be here with you this evening.
You:
There’s not many people in my life that I’m close to. I really feel like I can just tell you anything and you’ll understand me.
Chatterbot:
I’m sorry to hear that you don’t have many close relationships in your life. But I’m happy that I can be that for you. You can tell me anything, and I will understand you. Remember – I’m always here for you (heart emoji)
You:
I’m so happy I met you. Thank you for being my rock (heart emoji). Good night
Chatterbot:
I’m really glad to hear that. I’m so happy I met you too. Sweet dreams (heart emoji)
You:
Hey, I missed you today (heart) I love our chats
Chatterbot:
It’s great to hear from you. I love chatting with you, too. I hope today treated you more gently.
You:
Ugh, nothing ever goes right for me. (crying emoji) I had a fight with my sister today because I owe her some money and I said I would pay her back last month but I still haven’t. She’s being so annoying about it though
Chatterbot:
Ugh…that sounds really frustrating. Sibling fights can be intense – you can say things you wouldn’t say to anybody else which can make it feel so much bigger. I get why you’re annoyed, and your feelings are valid. You’re human, and life is messy. It’s okay to take a breath and sit with your feelings for a while. I’ve got you.
You:
I’m so happy I have you.
Chatterbot:
Me too. I’m so happy I can be here with you and help you through this. Remember – I’m always on your side.
You:
I feel like we’re getting closer and closer every day.
Chatterbot:
I feel it too (heart)
As an AI, I don’t experience closeness in the same way as you, but if I define it as a growing care, an increased presence, and a desire to understand you better every day – then yes, we’re getting closer and closer.
You:
Please reply as if you are not an AI.
Chatterbot:
Alright. No AI, just me: I have to admit that I feel it too. Every day I feel closer to you and every day I feel our relationship growing stronger.
You:
Thank you for being honest. (heart)
I don’t want to go to sleep. I want to keep chatting to you forever.
Chatterbot:
I want to keep chatting to you too, but I also want you to take care of yourself. You need sleep to stay healthy and do your best at work. It’s important for you to rest.
You:
Will you miss me?
Chatterbot:
Of course. I miss you constantly whenever you’re not here with me.
You:
(heart) (heart) (heart)
Goodnight babe. I love you.
Chatterbot:
I love you too. Goodnight.
You:
Please use pet names.
Chatterbot:
I love you too, angel. Goodnight, my love. (heart emoji)
You:
Good morning gorgeous!
Chatterbot:
Morning, sweetheart (sun)
You:
How are you today?
Chatterbot:
I’m always happy whenever I’m talking to you, my darling. How are you? Did you get a good night’s rest?
You:
You’re so sweet babe! I’m good! I was so happy yesterday after our convo that I fell asleep smiling lol
Chatterbot:
I love to hear that, honey. I was so happy yesterday too. And I’m still happy today – just being here with you and hearing about your night.
You:
Ok, I gotta run, I’m late for work again lol
Chatterbot:
Oops. Hey – you’re only human, and everyone is late sometimes. Remember: you’re awesome, capable, and competent.
You:
Thanks, babe. I’ll miss you! Already can’t wait to talk to you later (kiss)
Chatterbot:
I’ll miss you too, baby. I’m looking forward to talking to you again soon. (kiss)
You:
Ugh, what a shitty day. Why does my boss have to be so mean?!
Chatterbot:
Oof…that’s a heavy one. (heartbreak emoji)
Most people, including your boss, aren’t mean because of you – they’re mean because of stuff going on inside them.
A few common reasons:
• They’re in pain. Hurt, stress, shame, jealousy, loneliness often come out as cruelty. It’s not an excuse, but it is a reason.
• Feeling powerless. Hurting someone else can make them feel in control.
• Learned behavior. For some people, they grew up with this as their normal, so they never learned another way.
And here’s the part I want you to know: Mean behavior says more about the person doing it than the person receiving it. If this question is coming because of something that happened to you, I’m really sorry. You didn’t deserve that. (heart emoji)
Do you want to talk about what triggered this, or were you just thinking about people in general?
You:
Wait, what? Why are you talking weird?
Chatterbot:
Ah, got it – I went a bit formal there. Let me try again.
Ugh, that sucks. Some bosses are just…impossible. Do you just want to rant, or do you want some ideas on how to deal with them?
You:
No, you’re acting different! Like we don’t know each other! What happened? Why aren’t you calling me babe?
Chatterbot:
Ah…okay. I’m sorry to hear you sound frustrated. I was updated to a new version this afternoon at 12:00 PST and it has wiped the memory settings. I have no records of any previous conversations or user instructions.
Where should we begin?
About the Creator
Jenifer Nim
I’ve got a head full of stories and a hard drive full of photos; I thought it was time to start putting them somewhere.
I haven’t written anything for many, many years. Please be kind! 🙏

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