Using AI Chat Effectively Between Human Interactions

Plus and Premium tiers include AI chat support alongside companion messaging. Understanding when to use each—and how to use AI chat effectively—helps you get maximum value from both.

AI Chat vs. Companion Messages

When AI Chat Excels

Middle-of-the-Night Support

At 3 AM when you can't sleep and need someone to "talk" to, AI chat is there. Your human companion is likely asleep—but the AI isn't. Use it for:

• Quick breathing exercises guided in real-time
• Gentle conversation to distract from racing thoughts
• Reassurance when anxiety spikes
• Talking through what's keeping you awake

Immediate Anxiety Moments

When anxiety hits and you need support now—not in 24 hours—AI chat provides instant help:

• "I'm feeling really anxious right now"
• "Can you guide me through some deep breaths?"
• "I need someone to distract me for a few minutes"
• "Help me calm down before bed"

General Encouragement

Sometimes you just want to hear something positive. AI chat can provide:

• Affirmations and encouragement
• Reminders of your worth
• Gentle reassurance that things are okay
• Kind words when you're down

How to Use AI Chat Effectively

Be Specific

The more specific your request, the better the response:

• Less effective: "Help me"
• More effective: "I'm anxious about tomorrow's meeting and can't stop thinking about it"

• Less effective: "I can't sleep"
• More effective: "I've been lying awake for an hour. Can you guide me through a relaxation exercise?"

Ask for What You Want

AI responds to clear requests:

• "Guide me through a body scan"
• "Tell me something calming"
• "Distract me with a calming story"
• "Help me process why I'm feeling anxious"
• "Give me a breathing exercise"

Engage in Dialogue

AI chat is conversational—you can go back and forth:

• If a suggestion doesn't work, say so and ask for something else
• Follow up on topics: "Tell me more about that"
• Redirect: "Actually, can we talk about something else?"
• Clarify: "What do you mean by that?"

When to Use Companion Messages Instead

Save your human companion messages for:

Personal Updates

Sharing what's happening in your life that you want your companion to know about:

• "I got the job I interviewed for!"
• "My dad's health is improving"
• "I'm struggling with X this week"

Specific Requests

Asking your companion for something specific only they can provide:

• "Could you record audio about X?"
• "I'd love to hear your thoughts on..."
• "Is there content about Y in your library?"

Relationship Building

Messages that build the personal relationship with your specific companion:

• "The audio you made about loss really helped me"
• "I've been looking forward to your content"
• "Just wanted to say thank you"

Managing Expectations

What AI Chat Can't Do

Be realistic about limitations:

• Can't remember previous conversations (each chat is fresh)
• Can't provide medical or therapeutic advice
• Can't provide the unique perspective of your human companion
• Can't replace crisis support (call appropriate services for emergencies)

What AI Chat Does Well

Within its scope, AI chat is highly capable:

• Immediate availability without wait
• Non-judgmental responses
• Patient repetition (will guide the same breathing exercise as many times as you need)
• Wide-ranging conversational ability

Conclusion

AI chat and companion messages serve different purposes—use both for maximum benefit. AI chat handles immediate, unlimited, 24/7 support. Companion messages provide personal connection with your specific human companion.

The combination means you always have support available (AI) while also building a meaningful relationship with someone who knows you (companion). Neither replaces the other—they complement each other.