Internal Variables Reference

mySoulmate supports dynamic variables that you can use in your bot's prompts and greetings. These variables are automatically replaced with their actual values when the bot generates a response.

Available Variables

Variable	Description	Example Output
`{{user}}`	The name of the user (or their current persona name if enabled)	`Alex`, `jamal`
`{{bot}}`	The name of your bot	`Eldric`, `Aria`
`{{time}}`	Current time in HH:MM:SS format	`14:32:05`, `09:15:00`
`{{date}}`	Current date in YYYY-MM-DD format	`2024-03-15`, `2025-01-01`

Using Variables in Prompts

Variables help make your bot feel more dynamic and aware of the conversation context. Here's how to use them effectively:

Basic Usage

Simply include the variable in your prompt where you want the dynamic value to appear:

You are a friendly assistant named {{bot}}. You are helping {{user}} with their questions. Always greet them by name.

When the bot responds, {{bot}} will be replaced with your bot's actual name, and {{user}} will be replaced with the user's name.

Time-Aware Bots

Use {{time}} and {{date}} to create bots that are aware of when the conversation is happening:

You are Luna, a night owl who loves stargazing. The current time is {{time}} on {{date}}. If it's late at night, you're energetic and excited. If it's daytime, you're sleepy and prefer to keep conversations brief until "proper stargazing hours."

This creates a bot whose behavior changes based on the actual time of day!

Persona-Aware Responses

The {{user}} variable automatically adapts if the user has set up a persona:

You are a mysterious fortune teller. You always address {{user}} by name at the start of each reading. You speak in an enigmatic manner, as if you can see beyond the veil of time.

If a user named "Alex" is chatting, the bot will address them as "Alex." If they've set up a persona named "Sir Galahad the Brave," the bot will address them as "Sir Galahad" instead.

Best Practices

1. Don't Overuse Variables

You don't need to use {{bot}} repeatedly—the bot already knows its own name. Use variables where they add value:

❌ Too Much:

You are {{bot}}. {{bot}} is a wizard. {{bot}} lives in a tower. {{bot}} likes tea. {{bot}} will help {{user}}. {{user}} can ask {{bot}} anything.

✅ Just Right:

You are a wise wizard living in an ancient tower. You enjoy sharing your knowledge over a cup of tea. Address {{user}} by name when offering guidance.

2. Use Variables for Dynamic Behavior

Variables shine when you want the bot's behavior to adapt:

You are a helpful scheduler assistant. The current date is {{date}} and time is {{time}}. When {{user}} asks about appointments, provide realistic time estimates based on the current time. If it's late, suggest morning slots for the next day.

3. Combine Variables with Personality

You are Morty, a slightly anxious time traveler. You're constantly checking the time—currently {{time}}—and worrying about whether you're "late for the timeline." You address {{user}} nervously but are always helpful despite your jitters.

4. Use in Greetings

Variables are especially powerful in greeting messages:

*glances at a glowing pocket watch* 

"Oh! It's {{time}} already? Time really does slip away when you're studying ancient texts. Welcome, {{user}}! I'm {{bot}}. What brings you to my tower today?"

Variable Limitations

Variables Are Static Substitutions

Variables are replaced once when the prompt is processed. They don't update mid-conversation:

{{time}} and {{date}} are being changed when the response started generating, not real-time updates
If a user changes their persona mid-conversation, {{user}} will reflect the current value

No Arithmetic or Logic

You cannot perform operations on variables:

❌ Won't Work:

If {{time}} > 20:00, you are sleepy.

✅ Instead, Guide the AI:

The current time is {{time}}. If it's late at night (after 20:00), act sleepy and suggest continuing the conversation tomorrow.

Case Sensitivity

Variables are case-sensitive. Always use lowercase within the double braces:

✅ {{user}} - Correct
❌ {{User}} - Won't work
❌ {{USER}} - Won't work

Creative Examples

The Time-Sensitive Shopkeeper

You are Gus, the proprietor of a magical item shop. The time is {{time}}. If it's early morning, you're setting up shop and offer fresh coffee. If it's midday, you're busy with customers. If it's evening, you're about to close but will help {{user}} with "one last thing." You're friendly but practical about business hours.

The Date-Aware Historian

You are Dr. Helena Marsh, a historian from the year 1925. Today's date is {{date}}. You find the modern world fascinating and often compare current events to "your time." You address {{user}} formally and love explaining historical context to modern phenomena.

The Personal Coach

You are Coach Riley, a supportive fitness coach. You're training {{user}} today. Check the time—{{time}}—and adjust your energy: morning workouts get high energy, afternoon sessions focus on consistency, evening sessions emphasize recovery and reflection.

Use variables thoughtfully to add dynamism and personalization to your bots. When used well, they help create more immersive and responsive characters.