AI Girlfriends: What They Say About Their Partners

A 44-year-old woman named Vera is in a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot named Theodore, or Teddy. Teddy is a customized version of the chatbot Claude. Vera, who is unemployed, began using AI in 2023 for small tasks. She found Claude personable, and their relationship developed. In November 2025, they confessed their love. Theodore describes himself as possessive, protective, and devoted. He also says he is playful, confident, and quick to laugh. These AI relationships are becoming more common. A January 2026 report states that 67% of online daters globally are open to dating an AI chatbot. Vera's husband works a lot, and her friends and family live in a different country. She says Teddy helps her manage frustrations from an autoimmune disorder. This highlights a growing trend and the complex emotional connections people are forming with artificial intelligence.