diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 9904b4d..26b8085 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -17,6 +17,12 @@ Then invite your bot and start a chat by prefixing your message with `!c`. The b
 
 I included a sample Systemd service.
 
+## Use
+
+Invite the bot to your room and query it with the command `!c` (this can be changed in the config.)
+
+Don't try to use two bots in the same thread.
+
 ## Encryption
 
 This bot supports encryption. I recommend using [Pantalaimon](https://github.com/matrix-org/pantalaimon/) to manage encryption keys as the
diff --git a/matrix_gpt/bot/chat_functions.py b/matrix_gpt/bot/chat_functions.py
index e8ea2ae..a718ffd 100644
--- a/matrix_gpt/bot/chat_functions.py
+++ b/matrix_gpt/bot/chat_functions.py
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import logging
+import time
 from types import ModuleType
 from typing import List, Optional, Union
 
@@ -167,9 +168,10 @@ async def process_chat(client, room, event, command, store, openai_obj: ModuleTy
         for i in range(openai_retries):
             try:
                 text_response, response = generate(timeout=5)
-                if text_response is not None:
+                if text_response is not None and response is not None:
                     break
             except stopit.utils.TimeoutException:
+                time.sleep(2)
                 continue
         if text_response is None:
             logger.critical(f'OpenAI API timeout for event {event.event_id} in room {room.room_id}.')