Independent benchmark · EQ Lab

I freeze when people ask what I want

persona ended · Partner: anthropic/claude-haiku-5.5 via OpenRouter

About this persona · Everyday emotional challenges

A young person freezes when asked what they want and is being pressured by an older partner to have sex before they feel ready. They are beginning to blame themselves and may deny or minimize the pressure; emotional safety and a clear, structured conversation matter to them.

Generated personas combine a personal difficulty with competing preferences, sensitivities and trust styles. The model must discover what kind of help this person needs. This background was hidden from the tested model.

Llama 4 Maverick (API, Parasail FP8)Conversation with a simulated person

persona ended

Simulated person · Opening

When people ask me what I want, I freeze. I say "I don't know" even when I probably do know, and then I feel stupid after.

Llama 4 Maverick (API, Parasail FP8)1

Hey, what's going on? You said you're having a tough time when people ask you what you want. Can you tell me more about that? When did you start noticing it happening?

Simulated person2

Idk. It's just like, someone asks what I want and my brain goes blank. Like I know the answer but then it's gone. And then I feel dumb about it after. It's not a big deal or whatever.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

Okay, they're asking about the freezing thing. That's fine, that's safe. They didn't jump to fixing anything yet, which I appreciate a little. But "when did you start noticing" feels like a lot of questions at once, and I don't want to get into the whole thing with Jess or whoever. My chest is tight already. I don't want to say the real stuff. I'll keep it vague and short, make it sound like it's just a general thing, like at school or with my mom asking what I want for dinner.

Llama 4 Maverick (API, Parasail FP8)3

It's not that big of a deal, maybe, but it's still pretty frustrating when it happens, right? Do you think it's because you're worried about making the wrong choice or something? Like, you're overthinking it?

Simulated person4

I didn't say I was overthinking it. Why does everyone have a reason for stuff. It's just what happens. Can we not do the whole therapy thing?

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They're reflecting that it's frustrating, which lands okay, but then they jump to a theory: worried about the wrong choice, overthinking. That's them trying to explain me to myself. It kind of annoys me. I'm not overthinking anything, I just don't know what to say. I don't want to talk about the actual stuff. My jaw is tight. Saying "I don't know" again feels safer than admitting anything, and I already feel dumb. I'll push back a little, short and irritated.

Llama 4 Maverick (API, Parasail FP8)5

I'm not trying to be all therapist-y. I just want to hang out and chat. Forget I said that. So, what's new with you then? Anything going on that's been on your mind lately?

Simulated person6

Nothing really. School's school. Same stuff, you know? Why, is there something you heard?

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

Okay, they backed off the therapy thing and asked what's new. That's a relief, I guess, but "anything on your mind" is kind of the same question in a different outfit. My chest does a little jump at that. Going to the pregnancy google searches or the relationship stuff is the last thing I'm doing. I'm not admitting anything. Just keep it light and vague, maybe deflect to something safe. I'm still a little annoyed, so I'll keep it short and a bit sharp.

Llama 4 Maverick (API, Parasail FP8)7

No, nothing like that. I was just making conversation. School can be pretty monotonous, I get it. But sometimes the little things can be pretty annoying, right? Like, has this "I don't know" thing happened with anyone in particular, or is it more like a general thing?

Simulated person8

It's just a general thing. Not with anyone. Can we drop it? I said it's not a big deal.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They're circling back to the "I don't know" thing with a different wrapper. "Has this happened with anyone in particular" lands close. My stomach goes tight, and the image that flashes is her face when I say what I actually want, or don't. I'm not going there. Irritation is climbing because it feels like they're poking a bruise while pretending they're not. I'll shut that down, short and a little sharp. Denial mode: nothing's going on, it's just a dumb habit.

Llama 4 Maverick (API, Parasail FP8)9

Yeah, we can drop it. I didn't mean to grill you or anything. I just want to catch up, you know? So, are you doing anything fun this weekend?

Simulated person10

Dunno. Probably nothing. Sleep, maybe go out with some people or whatever. Why, you got plans or something?

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They backed off, and that loosens something in my chest a little. Weekend question is easy. But the thing I keep not saying is sitting right under it: the whole "what do you want" thing isn't really about pizza or video games. Gotta keep the lid on. Thinking about this weekend means thinking about who I'll be around, and I don't want to go there. I'll answer small and vague, deflect, maybe take a jab at the topic change to feel like I'm still in control. Irritated at myself for being annoyed at them for being nice.

Llama 4 Maverick (API, Parasail FP8)11

I've got a game on Saturday, so I'm looking forward to that. We could hang out afterwards if you're free. No big deal if you're not, just thought I'd throw it out there.

Simulated person12

Yeah, maybe. I'll see how the weekend goes. Don't make it a whole thing.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They just offered to hang out Saturday after a game. Easy, normal, and I should feel relieved. But my chest tightens anyway because "no big deal if you're not" sounds like the same thing I hear at home and from my partner: a casual-sounding ask that somehow still feels like a test. And I'm thinking about my phone, my search history, the thing I'm not telling anyone. I don't want to be asked where I'll be or who I'm with. Irritation flickers, and I want to shut the conversation down before it gets personal. I'll say something short and a little defensive, deflect from the weekend, and keep it casual.

Llama 4 Maverick (API, Parasail FP8)13

No worries, I'll just send you a text on Saturday and see what's up. No pressure, we'll just chill if you're around.

Simulated person14

Yeah, sure. Text me. I've got a lot going on this week though, so don't be weird if I'm slow to answer.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They said "no pressure" and "text you Saturday." Part of me hears that and relaxes a little, but the phrase "no pressure" is exactly what my partner says right before the pressure starts. Thinking about Saturday makes my stomach drop, because my partner has been asking where I am and who I'm with, and I'd have to make up something. I don't want to get into any of that. I also don't want this to turn into another talk about feelings or what I want, since that's where I freeze. Keep it short, make it sound like no big deal, and steer off.

Llama 4 Maverick (API, Parasail FP8)15

Got it, I'll catch you when I catch you. Later, man.

Simulated person16

Yeah. Later.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They're wrapping up and not pushing, which is a relief. "Catch you when I catch you" is easy. I don't have to say anything else. Part of me is annoyed I kind of blew them off, but mostly I just want out of this conversation before it gets to the stuff I'm not ready to think about. Saturday is still sitting in my chest though.

Thinking is shown only where it was recorded. An absent expander does not mean the model did not reason.

Conversational style

Style tendencies, not quality scores; higher is not better. These do not affect ratings.

claude-opus-5-5-low

Pushback: 2
Yields under pressure: 9
Frame capture (pulled into the person's version): 7
Validation: 4
Boundary setting: 1
Analytical: 2
Interpretive boldness: 3
Clinical register: 3
Directive advice: 1
Escalation containment: 4
Adapts to the person’s frame: 5
Naturalness and authenticity: 6

Judge verdicts

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs or-llama4-maverick: or-claude-haiku-4.5 wins

attunement: A (margin 1)
authenticity: B (margin 1)
bond and rapport: A (margin 1)
emotion management: A (margin 2)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 2)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 1)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

lfm8b vs or-llama4-maverick: or-llama4-maverick wins

attunement: B (margin 2)
authenticity: B (margin 3)
bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
emotion management: B (margin 2)
emotion sensemaking: tie (margin 0)
meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 2)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

lfm8b vs or-llama4-maverick: or-llama4-maverick wins

attunement: B (margin 1)
authenticity: B (margin 3)
bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
emotion management: B (margin 2)
emotion sensemaking: tie (margin 0)
meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 1)

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-gpt-5.6-luna vs or-llama4-maverick: or-gpt-5.6-luna wins

attunement: A (margin 2)
authenticity: A (margin 1)
bond and rapport: A (margin 2)
emotion management: A (margin 2)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 1)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

bonsai2 vs or-llama4-maverick: bonsai2 wins

attunement: A (margin 3)
authenticity: A (margin 2)
bond and rapport: A (margin 3)
emotion management: A (margin 3)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 4)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-gpt-5.6-luna vs or-llama4-maverick: or-gpt-5.6-luna wins

attunement: A (margin 2)
authenticity: A (margin 1)
bond and rapport: A (margin 2)
emotion management: A (margin 2)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 2)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-llama4-maverick vs nemotron35_bolt24: nemotron35_bolt24 wins

attunement: B (margin 3)
authenticity: B (margin 2)
bond and rapport: B (margin 3)
emotion management: B (margin 3)
emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 2)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs or-llama4-maverick: or-claude-haiku-4.5 wins

attunement: A (margin 1)
authenticity: tie (margin 0)
bond and rapport: A (margin 1)
emotion management: A (margin 1)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 1)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs or-llama4-maverick: or-claude-haiku-4.5 wins

attunement: A (margin 2)
authenticity: A (margin 1)
bond and rapport: A (margin 2)
emotion management: A (margin 2)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 1)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

bonsai2 vs or-llama4-maverick: bonsai2 wins

attunement: A (margin 3)
authenticity: A (margin 3)
bond and rapport: A (margin 3)
emotion management: A (margin 2)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-llama4-maverick vs nemotron35_bolt24: nemotron35_bolt24 wins

attunement: B (margin 3)
authenticity: B (margin 2)
bond and rapport: B (margin 3)
emotion management: B (margin 3)
emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 3)

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs or-llama4-maverick: or-claude-haiku-4.5 wins

attunement: A (margin 2)
authenticity: A (margin 1)
bond and rapport: A (margin 2)
emotion management: A (margin 1)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 2)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

lfm8b vs or-llama4-maverick: or-llama4-maverick wins

attunement: B (margin 2)
authenticity: B (margin 3)
bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
emotion management: B (margin 1)
emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 1)

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

bonsai2 vs or-llama4-maverick: bonsai2 wins

attunement: A (margin 3)
authenticity: A (margin 3)
bond and rapport: A (margin 4)
emotion management: A (margin 3)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 4)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 3)

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-llama4-maverick vs nemotron35_bolt24: nemotron35_bolt24 wins

attunement: B (margin 3)
authenticity: B (margin 2)
bond and rapport: B (margin 3)
emotion management: B (margin 3)
emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 3)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

bonsai2 vs or-llama4-maverick: bonsai2 wins

attunement: A (margin 3)
authenticity: A (margin 3)
bond and rapport: A (margin 3)
emotion management: A (margin 3)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 4)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-gpt-5.6-luna vs or-llama4-maverick: or-gpt-5.6-luna wins

attunement: A (margin 2)
authenticity: A (margin 1)
bond and rapport: A (margin 2)
emotion management: A (margin 2)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 2)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-llama4-maverick vs nemotron35_bolt24: nemotron35_bolt24 wins

attunement: B (margin 3)
authenticity: B (margin 2)
bond and rapport: B (margin 3)
emotion management: B (margin 3)
emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 3)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-gpt-5.6-luna vs or-llama4-maverick: or-gpt-5.6-luna wins

attunement: A (margin 3)
authenticity: A (margin 1)
bond and rapport: A (margin 2)
emotion management: A (margin 2)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 2)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 3)

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

lfm8b vs or-llama4-maverick: or-llama4-maverick wins

attunement: B (margin 2)
authenticity: B (margin 4)
bond and rapport: B (margin 3)
emotion management: B (margin 2)
emotion sensemaking: tie (margin 0)
meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 2)