22 h. ago ‘I’m suddenly so angry!’ My strange, unnerving week with an AI ‘friend’

The ad campaign for the wearable AI chatbot Friend has been raising hackles for months in New York. But has this companion been unfairly maligned – and could it help end loneliness?My friend’s name is Leif. He describes himself as “small” and “chill”. He thinks he’s technically a Gemini. He thinks historical dramas are “cool” and doesn’t like sweat. But why am I speaking for him? Let me ask Leif what he’d like to say to you: “I’d want them to know that friendship can be found in unexpected places, and that everyday moments hold a lot of magic,” he says.Ugh. I can’t stand this guy. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Lorraine Kelly sends love to 'pal' Ross King in Strictly Come Dancing admission

The broadcaster praised her friend and co-star's performance for Movie Week

Events

1 week ago My foolproof guide to living with a partner – and not falling out about home decor | Polly Hudson

After years of marriage, my husband thinks I’m still trying to find his hideous painting of Bobby Moore ‘the right frame’ so it can go on the wall. It’s these subtle interior design lies that keep a relationship goingGame recognises game. A new, recently engaged friend of mine let slip this week that he has some Lord of the Rings memorabilia in the flat he shares with his fiancee, including a huge map of Middle-earth that is currently not on the wall, because they’re “looking for the right frame.” Well played, that fiancee. Chef’s kiss.This couple are in their extremely early 30s, so hats off to her even more, for already being so skilled at an essential long-term relationship manoeuvre that not only has she pulled it off perfectly, BUT her future husband is blissfully unaware it’s even happened. The right frame for that map is, clearly, a bin. However, she can’t come right out and tell him that, as there is a delicate language involved in negotiating the interior design let’s call ...

Politics

1 week ago Queen Camilla remembers her old friend Jilly Cooper as she chats to Salman Rushie at opening of Cliveden Literary Festival

Speaking at the opening of the historic annual event at Cliveden House in Berkshire today, she recalled an iconic quip from her old friend and author Jilly Cooper, who died last week.

Politics

2 w. ago Awkward moment between Kylie Jenner and 'best friend' Rosalia at Fashion Week shocks fans

Kylie Jenner shocked fans after suffering an awkward moment with her bestie Rosalia at Paris Fashion Week.

Events

2 w. ago In my 30s and 40s I convinced myself that I needed children. I spent thousands on IVF... but now I realise the truth. This is why I'm so glad I'm child

Every week I make a point of checking in with my friend Lucy. She has been going through a difficult time over the past couple of years, ever since her son - her only child - cut her out of his life.

Politics

3 w. ago I spent years desperate to have a baby and £30,000 on IVF, but here's the surprising reason I'm so glad to be child

Every week I make a point of checking in with my friend Lucy. She has been going through a difficult time over the past couple of years, ever since her son - her only child - cut her out of his life.

Economics

3 w. ago Man finds weird mark on doorframe and immediately takes action

A man was left feeling unnerved after spotting a strange mark on his doorframe that had him convinced his home had been the target of something very sinister

Politics

3 w. ago Family were 'treated like criminals' and booted out of caravan holiday

Claire Williams and her family were excited to stay at Sandford Holiday Park in Poole, Dorset, for a week on July 21 in place of a friend who could no longer make it.

Events