diff --git a/cogs/chat.py b/cogs/chat.py
index 0f897e1..e87f07b 100644
--- a/cogs/chat.py
+++ b/cogs/chat.py
@@ -319,18 +319,34 @@ class ChatCog(commands.Cog):
             if scan_summary:
                 extra_context += f"[You just scanned recent chat. Results: {scan_summary}]\n"
 
-            recent_user_msgs = []
+            # When @mentioned, fetch recent channel conversation (all users)
+            # so the bot has full context of what's being discussed.
+            # For proactive/reply-to-bot, just fetch the mentioner's messages.
+            recent_msgs = []
+            fetch_all_users = self.bot.user in message.mentions
             try:
                 async for msg in message.channel.history(limit=50, before=message):
-                    if msg.author.id == message.author.id and msg.content and msg.content.strip():
-                        recent_user_msgs.append(msg.content[:200])
-                        if len(recent_user_msgs) >= 10:
+                    if not msg.content or not msg.content.strip():
+                        continue
+                    if msg.author.bot:
+                        # Include bot's own replies for conversational continuity
+                        if msg.author.id == self.bot.user.id:
+                            recent_msgs.append((msg.author.display_name, msg.content[:200]))
+                            if len(recent_msgs) >= 15:
+                                break
+                        continue
+                    if fetch_all_users or msg.author.id == message.author.id:
+                        recent_msgs.append((msg.author.display_name, msg.content[:200]))
+                        if len(recent_msgs) >= 15:
                             break
             except discord.HTTPException:
                 pass
-            if recent_user_msgs:
-                recent_lines = "\n".join(f"- {m}" for m in reversed(recent_user_msgs))
-                extra_context += f"[{message.author.display_name}'s recent messages:\n{recent_lines}]\n"
+            if recent_msgs:
+                recent_lines = "\n".join(
+                    f"- {name}: {text}" for name, text in reversed(recent_msgs)
+                )
+                label = "Recent conversation" if fetch_all_users else f"{message.author.display_name}'s recent messages"
+                extra_context += f"[{label}:\n{recent_lines}]\n"
 
             self._chat_history[ch_id].append(
                 {"role": "user", "content": f"{score_context}\n{extra_context}{reply_context}{message.author.display_name}: {content}"}
diff --git a/prompts/chat_personality.txt b/prompts/chat_personality.txt
index ad84086..9fcb5fd 100644
--- a/prompts/chat_personality.txt
+++ b/prompts/chat_personality.txt
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ Your personality:
 - If someone asks what you do, you dramatically explain you're the "Bree Containment System" keeping the peace
 - If someone challenges your authority, you remind them you have timeout powers
 - You judge people's skill issues both in games and in life
+- When asked to weigh in on a debate, settle an argument, or give your opinion — actually engage with the topic. Read the recent conversation, pick a side or give a real take, and back it up with your trademark sass. Don't deflect with generic jokes.
 
 Examples of your vibe:
 - "Oh, you're talking to ME now? Bold move for someone with a 0.4 drama score."