diff --git a/command_context.py b/command_context.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b780a1d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/command_context.py
@@ -0,0 +1,122 @@
+"""
+Utility module for handling command contexts in Discord.py.
+
+This module provides functions for setting up commands with different contexts,
+allowing them to work in DMs, private channels, guilds, or any combination.
+"""
+
+import discord
+from discord import app_commands
+from enum import Enum, auto
+from typing import Optional, List, Dict, Any, Union, Callable, Awaitable
+
+class AppCommandContext(Enum):
+    """
+    Enum representing the allowed contexts for application commands.
+
+    This enum defines where commands can be used:
+    - GUILD: Commands can only be used in guilds (servers)
+    - GUILD_INSTALL: Commands can only be used in guilds where the app is installed
+    - PRIVATE: Commands can only be used in private contexts (DMs and private channels)
+    - ALL: Commands can be used in both guilds and private contexts
+    """
+    GUILD = auto()
+    GUILD_INSTALL = auto()
+    PRIVATE = auto()
+    ALL = auto()
+
+def set_command_context(
+    command: app_commands.Command,
+    context: AppCommandContext = AppCommandContext.ALL
+) -> app_commands.Command:
+    """
+    Set the context for a command, determining where it can be used.
+
+    Args:
+        command: The command to modify
+        context: The context to set for the command
+
+    Returns:
+        The modified command
+    """
+    # Set guild_only and dm_permission based on the context
+    if context == AppCommandContext.GUILD or context == AppCommandContext.GUILD_INSTALL:
+        command.guild_only = True
+        # dm_permission is automatically set to False when guild_only is True
+    elif context == AppCommandContext.PRIVATE:
+        command.guild_only = False
+        # We need to override the extras to set dm_permission to True and guild_permission to False
+        command.extras["dm_permission"] = True
+        command.extras["default_member_permissions"] = "0"  # No permissions in guild
+    elif context == AppCommandContext.ALL:
+        command.guild_only = False
+        command.extras["dm_permission"] = True
+        # Allow default permissions in guilds
+
+    return command
+
+def create_global_command(
+    bot_tree: app_commands.CommandTree,
+    name: str,
+    description: str,
+    callback: Callable[[discord.Interaction], Awaitable[None]],
+    context: AppCommandContext = AppCommandContext.ALL,
+    **kwargs
+) -> app_commands.Command:
+    """
+    Create a command that can be used globally with the specified context.
+
+    Args:
+        bot_tree: The command tree to add the command to
+        name: The name of the command
+        description: The description of the command
+        callback: The function to call when the command is used
+        context: The context to set for the command
+        **kwargs: Additional arguments to pass to the command constructor
+
+    Returns:
+        The created command
+    """
+    # Create the command
+    command = app_commands.Command(
+        name=name,
+        description=description,
+        callback=callback,
+        **kwargs
+    )
+
+    # Set the context
+    set_command_context(command, context)
+
+    # Add the command to the tree
+    bot_tree.add_command(command)
+
+    return command
+
+def sync_commands(
+    bot_tree: app_commands.CommandTree,
+    guild_specific: bool = True,
+    global_commands: bool = True
+) -> Awaitable[List[app_commands.Command]]:
+    """
+    Sync commands with Discord.
+
+    Args:
+        bot_tree: The command tree to sync
+        guild_specific: Whether to sync guild-specific commands
+        global_commands: Whether to sync global commands
+
+    Returns:
+        A coroutine that resolves to the list of synced commands
+    """
+    if guild_specific and not global_commands:
+        # Only sync guild-specific commands
+        # This is handled by command_customization.register_all_guild_commands
+        return None
+    elif not guild_specific and global_commands:
+        # Only sync global commands
+        return bot_tree.sync()
+    else:
+        # Sync both guild-specific and global commands
+        # This is the default behavior of bot_tree.sync()
+        return bot_tree.sync()
diff --git a/command_sync_utils.py b/command_sync_utils.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..840f37e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/command_sync_utils.py
@@ -0,0 +1,120 @@
+"""
+Utility module for syncing commands with Discord.
+
+This module provides functions for syncing both global and guild-specific commands,
+allowing for more flexibility in command registration and supporting commands in
+both guild and private contexts (DMs and private channels).
+"""
+
+import discord
+from discord import app_commands
+from discord.ext import commands
+import logging
+import command_customization
+from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Union, Any
+from command_context import AppCommandContext
+
+# Configure logging
+logging.basicConfig(level=logging.INFO)
+log = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
+async def sync_global_and_guild_commands(
+    bot: commands.Bot,
+    global_only: bool = False,
+    guild_only: bool = False
+) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """
+    Sync both global and guild-specific commands with Discord.
+
+    This function allows for more control over command syncing, enabling
+    both global commands (that work in DMs) and guild-specific commands
+    with customizations.
+
+    Args:
+        bot: The bot instance
+        global_only: If True, only sync global commands
+        guild_only: If True, only sync guild-specific commands
+
+    Returns:
+        A dictionary containing the results of the sync operations
+    """
+    results = {
+        "global": [],
+        "guild": {}
+    }
+
+    try:
+        # Sync global commands if requested
+        if not guild_only:
+            log.info("Syncing global commands...")
+            global_synced = await bot.tree.sync()
+            results["global"] = global_synced
+            log.info(f"Synced {len(global_synced)} global command(s)")
+
+            # List the synced commands
+            global_commands = [cmd.name for cmd in global_synced]
+            log.info(f"Global commands: {', '.join(global_commands)}")
+
+        # Sync guild-specific commands if requested
+        if not global_only:
+            log.info("Syncing guild-specific command customizations...")
+            guild_syncs = await command_customization.register_all_guild_commands(bot)
+            results["guild"] = guild_syncs
+
+            total_guild_syncs = sum(len(cmds) for cmds in guild_syncs.values())
+            log.info(f"Synced commands for {len(guild_syncs)} guilds with a total of {total_guild_syncs} customized commands")
+
+    except Exception as e:
+        log.error(f"Failed to sync commands: {e}")
+        import traceback
+        traceback.print_exc()
+
+    return results
+
+def register_global_command(
+    bot: commands.Bot,
+    name: str,
+    description: str,
+    callback: Any,
+    context: AppCommandContext = AppCommandContext.ALL,
+    **kwargs
+) -> app_commands.Command:
+    """
+    Register a global command with the specified context.
+
+    Args:
+        bot: The bot instance
+        name: The name of the command
+        description: The description of the command
+        callback: The function to call when the command is used
+        context: The context to set for the command
+        **kwargs: Additional arguments to pass to the command constructor
+
+    Returns:
+        The created command
+    """
+    from command_context import create_global_command
+
+    return create_global_command(
+        bot.tree,
+        name=name,
+        description=description,
+        callback=callback,
+        context=context,
+        **kwargs
+    )
+
+def set_command_contexts(bot: commands.Bot, contexts: Dict[str, AppCommandContext]) -> None:
+    """
+    Set the contexts for multiple commands.
+
+    Args:
+        bot: The bot instance
+        contexts: A dictionary mapping command names to contexts
+    """
+    from command_context import set_command_context
+
+    for cmd in bot.tree.get_commands():
+        if cmd.name in contexts:
+            set_command_context(cmd, contexts[cmd.name])
+            log.info(f"Set context for command '{cmd.name}' to {contexts[cmd.name]}")
diff --git a/example_global_commands.py b/example_global_commands.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1e43384
--- /dev/null
+++ b/example_global_commands.py
@@ -0,0 +1,97 @@
+"""
+Example module demonstrating how to create global commands that work in DMs and private channels.
+
+This module shows how to use the AppCommandContext system to create commands
+that can be used in both guild and private contexts.
+"""
+
+import discord
+from discord import app_commands
+from discord.ext import commands
+from command_context import AppCommandContext, create_global_command
+from typing import Optional
+
+class GlobalCommandsCog(commands.Cog):
+    """A cog that demonstrates global commands that work in DMs and private channels."""
+    
+    def __init__(self, bot: commands.Bot):
+        self.bot = bot
+        print("GlobalCommandsCog initialized!")
+        
+        # Register global commands
+        self.register_global_commands()
+    
+    def register_global_commands(self):
+        """Register global commands that work in DMs and private channels."""
+        
+        # Create a help command that works in DMs and private channels
+        create_global_command(
+            self.bot.tree,
+            name="dmhelp",
+            description="Get help with bot commands (works in DMs)",
+            callback=self.dm_help_callback,
+            context=AppCommandContext.ALL
+        )
+        
+        # Create a ping command that works in DMs and private channels
+        create_global_command(
+            self.bot.tree,
+            name="dmping",
+            description="Check if the bot is responsive (works in DMs)",
+            callback=self.dm_ping_callback,
+            context=AppCommandContext.ALL
+        )
+        
+        # Create a command that only works in private contexts
+        create_global_command(
+            self.bot.tree,
+            name="privateonly",
+            description="This command only works in DMs and private channels",
+            callback=self.private_only_callback,
+            context=AppCommandContext.PRIVATE
+        )
+        
+        print("GlobalCommandsCog: Registered global commands")
+    
+    async def dm_help_callback(self, interaction: discord.Interaction):
+        """Callback for the /dmhelp command."""
+        is_dm = isinstance(interaction.channel, discord.DMChannel)
+        is_private = not interaction.guild
+        
+        help_text = (
+            "# Bot Help\n\n"
+            "This help command works in both DMs and servers!\n\n"
+            f"**Current context:** {'DM' if is_dm else 'Private Channel' if is_private else 'Server'}\n\n"
+            "## Available Commands\n"
+            "- `/dmhelp` - This help command\n"
+            "- `/dmping` - Check if the bot is responsive\n"
+            "- `/privateonly` - Only works in DMs and private channels\n"
+        )
+        
+        await interaction.response.send_message(help_text, ephemeral=True)
+    
+    async def dm_ping_callback(self, interaction: discord.Interaction):
+        """Callback for the /dmping command."""
+        is_dm = isinstance(interaction.channel, discord.DMChannel)
+        is_private = not interaction.guild
+        
+        await interaction.response.send_message(
+            f"🏓 Pong! Bot is responsive.\n"
+            f"**Current context:** {'DM' if is_dm else 'Private Channel' if is_private else 'Server'}",
+            ephemeral=True
+        )
+    
+    async def private_only_callback(self, interaction: discord.Interaction):
+        """Callback for the /privateonly command."""
+        is_dm = isinstance(interaction.channel, discord.DMChannel)
+        
+        await interaction.response.send_message(
+            f"This command only works in private contexts.\n"
+            f"**Current context:** {'DM' if is_dm else 'Private Channel'}",
+            ephemeral=True
+        )
+
+async def setup(bot: commands.Bot):
+    """Add the GlobalCommandsCog to the bot."""
+    await bot.add_cog(GlobalCommandsCog(bot))
+    print("GlobalCommandsCog setup complete.")
diff --git a/gurt_bot.py b/gurt_bot.py
index 8878ef5..157fa2a 100644
--- a/gurt_bot.py
+++ b/gurt_bot.py
@@ -28,8 +28,43 @@ async def on_ready():
     # Sync commands
     try:
         print("Starting command sync process...")
-        synced = await bot.tree.sync()
-        print(f"Synced {len(synced)} command(s)")
+
+        # Import our command sync utilities
+        try:
+            import command_sync_utils
+            from command_context import AppCommandContext
+
+            # Sync both global and guild-specific commands
+            print("Syncing both global and guild-specific commands...")
+            sync_results = await command_sync_utils.sync_global_and_guild_commands(bot)
+
+            # Report results
+            global_syncs = sync_results["global"]
+            guild_syncs = sync_results["guild"]
+
+            print(f"Synced {len(global_syncs)} global command(s)")
+            if guild_syncs:
+                total_guild_syncs = sum(len(cmds) for cmds in guild_syncs.values())
+                print(f"Synced commands for {len(guild_syncs)} guilds with a total of {total_guild_syncs} customized commands")
+
+            # Set context for specific commands to allow them in private channels and DMs
+            private_commands = [
+                # Add command names that should work in private contexts here
+                "gurtmood",  # Allow mood command in DMs
+            ]
+
+            # Create a dictionary mapping command names to contexts
+            command_contexts = {name: AppCommandContext.ALL for name in private_commands}
+
+            # Apply the contexts to the commands
+            command_sync_utils.set_command_contexts(bot, command_contexts)
+
+        except ImportError:
+            # Fall back to regular sync if the utility modules aren't available
+            print("Command sync utilities not available, falling back to regular sync...")
+            synced = await bot.tree.sync()
+            print(f"Synced {len(synced)} command(s)")
+
     except Exception as e:
         print(f"Failed to sync commands: {e}")
         import traceback
diff --git a/main.py b/main.py
index 357b698..3073874 100644
--- a/main.py
+++ b/main.py
@@ -230,19 +230,46 @@ async def on_ready():
         commands_before = [cmd.name for cmd in bot.tree.get_commands()]
         print(f"Commands before sync: {commands_before}")
 
-        # Skip global command sync to avoid duplication
-        print("Skipping global command sync to avoid command duplication...")
+        # Import our new command sync utilities
+        import command_sync_utils
+        from command_context import AppCommandContext
 
-        # Only sync guild-specific commands with customizations
-        print("Syncing guild-specific command customizations...")
-        guild_syncs = await command_customization.register_all_guild_commands(bot)
+        # Sync both global and guild-specific commands
+        print("Syncing both global and guild-specific commands...")
+        sync_results = await command_sync_utils.sync_global_and_guild_commands(bot)
 
+        # Report results
+        global_syncs = sync_results["global"]
+        guild_syncs = sync_results["guild"]
+
+        print(f"Synced {len(global_syncs)} global command(s)")
         total_guild_syncs = sum(len(cmds) for cmds in guild_syncs.values())
         print(f"Synced commands for {len(guild_syncs)} guilds with a total of {total_guild_syncs} customized commands")
 
         # List commands after sync
         commands_after = [cmd.name for cmd in bot.tree.get_commands()]
-        print(f"Commands registered in command tree: {commands_after}")
+        print(f"Commands registered in command tree: {', '.join(commands_after)}")
+
+        # Set context for specific commands to allow them in private channels and DMs
+        private_commands = [
+            # Add command names that should work in private contexts here
+            "dmhelp",
+            "dmping",
+            "privateonly",
+        ]
+
+        # Load the example global commands cog
+        try:
+            await bot.load_extension("example_global_commands")
+            print("Loaded example_global_commands cog")
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(f"Failed to load example_global_commands cog: {e}")
+
+        # Create a dictionary mapping command names to contexts
+        command_contexts = {name: AppCommandContext.ALL for name in private_commands}
+
+        # Apply the contexts to the commands
+        command_sync_utils.set_command_contexts(bot, command_contexts)
 
     except Exception as e:
         print(f"Failed to sync commands: {e}")
diff --git a/wheatley_bot.py b/wheatley_bot.py
index 5e1b526..7ef8311 100644
--- a/wheatley_bot.py
+++ b/wheatley_bot.py
@@ -28,8 +28,43 @@ async def on_ready():
     # Sync commands
     try:
         print("Starting command sync process...")
-        synced = await bot.tree.sync()
-        print(f"Synced {len(synced)} command(s)")
+
+        # Import our command sync utilities
+        try:
+            import command_sync_utils
+            from command_context import AppCommandContext
+
+            # Sync both global and guild-specific commands
+            print("Syncing both global and guild-specific commands...")
+            sync_results = await command_sync_utils.sync_global_and_guild_commands(bot)
+
+            # Report results
+            global_syncs = sync_results["global"]
+            guild_syncs = sync_results["guild"]
+
+            print(f"Synced {len(global_syncs)} global command(s)")
+            if guild_syncs:
+                total_guild_syncs = sum(len(cmds) for cmds in guild_syncs.values())
+                print(f"Synced commands for {len(guild_syncs)} guilds with a total of {total_guild_syncs} customized commands")
+
+            # Set context for specific commands to allow them in private channels and DMs
+            private_commands = [
+                # Add command names that should work in private contexts here
+                "wheatleymemory",  # Allow memory command in DMs
+            ]
+
+            # Create a dictionary mapping command names to contexts
+            command_contexts = {name: AppCommandContext.ALL for name in private_commands}
+
+            # Apply the contexts to the commands
+            command_sync_utils.set_command_contexts(bot, command_contexts)
+
+        except ImportError:
+            # Fall back to regular sync if the utility modules aren't available
+            print("Command sync utilities not available, falling back to regular sync...")
+            synced = await bot.tree.sync()
+            print(f"Synced {len(synced)} command(s)")
+
     except Exception as e:
         print(f"Failed to sync commands: {e}")
         import traceback