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Admitting to using AI often prompts one of two responses: an eager “Isn’t technology amazing?” or a skeptical reaction from those wary of a future like the one depicted in Her.
I used to lean towards the latter until a recent incident changed my perspective. One night, my noisy neighbors chose to throw a loud party at 1 a.m., and I found myself in need of a tactful text to address the disturbance—a way to say “Can you keep it down?” without making future interactions awkward. In a moment of desperation, I turned to ChatGPT for help. The result? The noise ceased, and we maintained a friendly rapport.
While discussions about AI often focus on its potential negative consequences (and those concerns are valid), this unexpectedly positive experience made me reflect: What else might ChatGPT assist with? Of course, I don’t expect an AI to tackle complex, existential dilemmas like ending a long-term relationship or overcoming seasonal depression. However, it might be valuable for navigating uncomfortable daily conversations.
Curious to explore its capabilities further, I presented several of my relationship quandaries to ChatGPT. To evaluate its advice, I consulted licensed therapists, who assessed the suggestions. We then rated ChatGPT’s responses on a scale of 1 to 10, revealing where AI could effectively guide us through challenging conversations—and where it missed the mark.
1. Addressing a messy partner or roommate about cleanliness
Question: How do I request my partner to be cleaner without sounding nagging or controlling?
ChatGPT response: Hey, can we discuss something? I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed by the mess lately. It’s not a massive issue, but it’s been bothering me. I understand we have different tolerance levels for clutter, and I’m not aiming for perfection. However, it would really help me if we could both work towards keeping things a bit tidier. I believe it would create a more pleasant space for us both.
Feedback from Therapist: This response is not dreadful, according to Ciara Bogdanovic, LMFT, a therapist based in Los Angeles. It acknowledges the partner’s perspective effectively. Yet, it lacks precision, as the request to “be more mindful” is too vague. “It’s tough to achieve a desired outcome when you’re not being clear,” Bogdanovic points out, suggesting a more straightforward approach. Specifically asking your partner to fold the laundry or requesting that the dishes be done within a certain timeframe can lead to better results.
Score: 6.5/10
2. Negotiating rent respectfully and convincingly
Question: My landlord has increased our rent, and I want to ask if there’s any way to reduce it or keep it steady at the current rate. What’s the best approach to take?
ChatGPT response: Hi [Landlord’s Name],
Source
www.self.com