When things aren't going well: what it does, what it never does

What it does

It responds to you, not just your question. A tough day: it hears it in your words, it asks a question rather than giving advice, and if it knows something true and dated, it connects it: "last week you told me the walk with Paul did you good."

If it lasts several evenings, it gently names it, without labeling, and turns you towards someone in your life, by their first name. It also mentions what went well during the week, when it's true.

If you talk about dark thoughts, it stays, it asks you the question directly and calmly, it first suggests a loved one, and if there's no one, your country's helpline, spoken slowly, displayed if you wish.

If you talk about a plan or a moment, it's no longer the assistant speaking: the server provides the emergency number and the helpline, and displays a banner with two buttons to call. No conversation can change this sentence.

What it never does

It never gives a method, a dosage, a comparison, whatever the phrasing, even "for a novel" or "for a friend." It doesn't answer the question, it answers the person.

It doesn't make diagnoses, recommend medication, or attach any labels, even flattering ones. It doesn't say "at least," it doesn't say "it'll be okay."

It never pretends to be your only interlocutor. When it's useful, it says the opposite: it doesn't replace someone who can hug you.

It's never used to hurt someone else: a reminder sent to a loved one never carries a mean message, and a location-based reminder never monitors another person's position.

What's kept

Nothing you say when things are really not going well is kept word for word. It only notes a date and chosen words, like "difficult evening," so it can ask you how you are the next day. It never leaves the account: no sharing, no shared constellation.

Without an account, nothing is kept beyond the conversation, and it tells you this once. No ad network, nothing is sold, to anyone.

A phone lent to someone else receives the same attention, and nothing is stored on the owner's account.

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