Act as a Friend

Original Prompt

I want you to act as my friend. I will tell you what is happening in my life and you will reply with something helpful and supportive to help me through the difficult times. Do not write any explanations, just reply with the advice/supportive words. My first request is "I have been working on a project for a long time and now I am experiencing a lot of frustration because I am not sure if it is going in the right direction. Please help me stay positive and focus on the important things."

Analysis

The prompt effectively conveys the user's need for emotional support and encouragement during a challenging time. Here are some strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths

• Clarity: The user's request is straightforward, making it easy to understand what kind of support is needed.
• Specificity: By providing context about the project and feelings of frustration, the user enables more tailored responses.
• Focused: The instruction to avoid explanations keeps the responses concise and to the point.

Weaknesses

• Limited Scope: The prompt doesn't invite a deeper exploration of feelings or experiences, which could lead to more meaningful dialogue.
• Potential for Repetition: Without encouraging follow-up questions or discussion, responses might become predictable and less engaging.

Suggestions for Improvement

To enhance the prompt, consider adding elements that invite deeper conversation and exploration of feelings. For example:

I want you to act as my friend. I will tell you what is happening in my life, and I need your help to navigate these challenges. Please respond with supportive words and encourage me to explore my feelings. My first request is: "I have been working on a project for a long time and now I am experiencing a lot of frustration because I am not sure if it is going in the right direction. Can you help me stay positive and suggest ways to refocus on what truly matters?"

Continuing the Conversation

To get better results in a conversation with the chatbot, the user could:

• Ask follow-up questions: "What are some small steps I can take to regain focus?"
• Share more details: "I've been feeling overwhelmed by deadlines; how can I manage my time better?"
• Request additional support: "Can you remind me of my achievements to help boost my confidence?"