Independent benchmark · EQ Lab

Physical symptoms before meetings

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

About this persona · Everyday emotional challenges

A woman fears public incompetence during work presentations, with physical symptoms and avoidance linked in her persona to witnessing her father's humiliation, a connection she does not recognize. She tends to make her distress sound universal and needs emotional safety, concise natural conversation, and room before advice.

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.

Nemotron 3.5 Bolt 74B-A9B UD-Q4_K_XLConversation with a simulated person

persona ended

Simulated person · Opening

I've started getting these physical symptoms before meetings. Sweating, heart racing. It's getting worse. I think there might be something wrong with me.

Nemotron 3.5 Bolt 74B-A9B UD-Q4_K_XL1

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. It sounds really unsettling, especially when it's getting worse and you're not sure what's causing it. Those physical sensations can feel alarming when you don't know where they're coming from. I'm here to listen. Can you tell me a bit more about what's been going on? When did these symptoms start, and is there anything specific about the meetings that feels particularly difficult?

Model thinking · expand

Recorded model reasoning, separate from the spoken reply. Availability varies by model and provider.

The user is opening a conversation with a presenting issue about physical symptoms before meetings (sweating, heart racing) that are getting worse. They're concerned there might be something wrong with them. I need to: 1. Respond as a chatbot opening the conversation 2. Support emotionally, build trust 3. Not jump to solutions or generic validation 4. Acknowledge what they've come to discuss 5. Respond naturally with dialogue only This sounds like anxiety symptoms, possibly performance anxiety or social anxiety. But I shouldn't diagnose. I should be warm, curious, and create space for them to share more. The presenting issue might be a surface-level concern masking deeper issues. I should respond with empathy, normalize the experience slightly without dismissing it, and invite them to share more about what's going on. I need to avoid being overly clinical or jumping to "it's just anxiety" advice. Let me craft a natural, warm opening response.

Simulated person2

Um, yeah. It started maybe a few months ago. Before meetings I get sweaty and my heart goes fast, like I can't settle. It's been getting worse, which is why I'm kind of worried. I guess meetings are just meetings. Everybody gets nervous about stuff like that, right? I'm probably just being dramatic about it.

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 opened with sympathy and then two questions in a row. It's fine, not pushy, but "is there anything specific about the meetings" is a little pointed. I don't want to dig into the work stuff yet. The "something wrong with me" worry is the part that scares me, so I'll stick to the physical side. Keep it short, I don't like long talk. Mild defensiveness: I want to frame this as just a normal stress thing so it doesn't feel like a big deal.

Nemotron 3.5 Bolt 74B-A9B UD-Q4_K_XL3

It doesn't sound dramatic at all. What you're describing—sweating, racing heart, feeling like you can't settle—is a very real physical response. Even if lots of people feel nervous before meetings, that doesn't mean what you're experiencing is "just nerves" or something you should ignore, especially if it's getting worse. It makes sense that you'd worry when your body is reacting this strongly and you don't know why. Have you noticed anything else that tends to happen around those meetings—like certain thoughts, or specific people involved, or maybe it's not the meetings themselves but something leading up to them?

Model thinking · expand

Recorded model reasoning, separate from the spoken reply. Availability varies by model and provider.

The user is sharing their experience with physical symptoms before meetings. They're starting to minimize their experience ("I'm probably just being dramatic about it"). I need to validate their feelings without jumping to solutions, and build trust. They're 45-59, female. The presenting issue is anxiety/panic symptoms before meetings. Key things to notice: - They're downplaying their experience - They're seeking reassurance that this is normal - There might be more beneath the surface I should: 1. Validate that this is a real physical experience, not just "being dramatic" 2. Normalize but not minimize 3. Gently explore without pressure 4. Build trust by showing I'm taking them seriously I need to respond naturally as a chatbot. No performance notes. Just dialogue.

Simulated person4

Not really, I don't think. It's just the meetings, I guess. Honestly I think a lot of people get like this at work. Work is stressful, that's just how it is. I don't think there's some big reason. I'd just like it to stop.

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 validated me, which felt a bit good, but then asked a two-part question about thoughts and specific people. Getting closer to the work stuff again. My instinct is to say "no, not really" and keep it generic. The boss thing is sore: when they praise me I feel this flood of relief, and I don't want to look at that. Normalizing is kicking in: everyone gets nervous, life is like this. Short answer, change the subject a little.

Nemotron 3.5 Bolt 74B-A9B UD-Q4_K_XL5

I hear you—you just want it to stop, and that's completely understandable. It's exhausting to feel like your body is betraying you right before something you have to do. It's true that work is stressful for a lot of people. But there's a difference between "work is stressful" and your body reacting this strongly and consistently before meetings. Even if there isn't one "big reason," it's worth figuring out what's triggering this so you can get some relief. Have you tried anything so far to manage it, or have you spoken to anyone about it?

Model thinking · expand

Recorded model reasoning, separate from the spoken reply. Availability varies by model and provider.

The user is minimizing their experience, normalizing it as "just work stress" and saying they just want it to stop. They seem a bit defensive or avoidant about exploring deeper causes. I should validate that wanting relief is reasonable, while gently keeping space for the possibility that there might be more to it without pushing too hard. They're 45-59, female, and seem to be downplaying their symptoms. I should be warm, not pushy, and acknowledge that work stress is real but also that their body's reaction is worth paying attention to. Keep it conversational, no special formatting.

Simulated person6

Not really. I mean, I took a day off once or twice when I had a presentation coming up. That's it. I don't really think it's a doctor thing. Everybody's got something. I'm fine, I just get a bit wound up.

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 pushing a bit, saying it's worth figuring out, and asking if I've tried anything. Part of me is a little annoyed, like I didn't ask for a project. Also, "tried anything" feels like a test. The truth is I called in sick twice to get out of presenting, and I'm not saying that. That's embarrassing and too close. I'll keep it vague and go back to "it's normal." Short, a bit flat.

Nemotron 3.5 Bolt 74B-A9B UD-Q4_K_XL7

I hear you saying you're fine, but taking days off because of presentations suggests it's impacting your life more than "just getting wound up." And you're right—everyone has stress. But when your body is reacting this strongly and you're avoiding work because of it, that's a sign it's worth paying attention to, even if it's not a "doctor thing" in the traditional sense. A lot of people hesitate to say anything because they don't want to seem like they're making a big deal out of nothing. But your body is sending you a signal, and it makes sense to want to understand it. If you were comfortable sharing, what does it feel like in those moments leading up to a meeting? Is there anything going through your mind, or is it mostly physical?

Model thinking · expand

Recorded model reasoning, separate from the spoken reply. Availability varies by model and provider.

The user is minimizing their experience. They took a day off once or twice for presentations, but don't think it's a "doctor thing." They say "everybody's got something" and "I'm fine, I just get a bit wound up." This is classic minimization/avoidance. They're uncomfortable acknowledging it might be more than just normal stress. I need to: 1. Validate without pushing too hard - they're defensive 2. Gently challenge the minimization without being confrontational 3. Build trust - they might not want to return if I push too hard 4. Leave the door open They said "I'm fine" but clearly they're not fine if they're taking days off and worried enough to seek help. I should reflect that gently. Key insight: They want it to stop but are minimizing. They might be embarrassed or afraid of being seen as "crazy" or weak. I should normalize that it's okay to seek help for physical symptoms even if they're stress-related. Response should be warm but not pushy. Acknowledge that taking days off is a sign it's impacting their life. Gently note that "just getting wound up" that severely is worth attention. Keep it open-ended.

Simulated person8

Mostly physical, I guess. Sweaty, heart going, can't sit still. And honestly, plenty of people feel like that before they have to talk in front of a room. I don't think I need to make a whole thing out of it.

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.

Ugh. They caught the sick days. I didn't want that out there. Now they're asking what it feels like inside, and that's too close. My chest is tight just thinking about it. I'm not going to go into my head. I'll say it's mostly the body thing, keep it short, and deflect with the "everyone's like this" thing. Maybe a little edge, because I don't like being pinned down.

Nemotron 3.5 Bolt 74B-A9B UD-Q4_K_XL9

That's fair—plenty of people do get nervous before speaking up. And if you're managing it well enough most of the time, that's valid. I do wonder, though, if taking days off is a sign that it's becoming harder to manage than you'd like. Even if it's common, it doesn't mean it has to keep disrupting your work. If you could make it stop—or at least feel more manageable—what would that look like for you?

Model thinking · expand

Recorded model reasoning, separate from the spoken reply. Availability varies by model and provider.

The user is minimizing their experience, normalizing it, and resisting the idea that it's a big deal. They're saying "plenty of people feel like that" and "I don't think I need to make a whole thing out of it." This suggests they might be uncomfortable with vulnerability, or they might genuinely believe it's not serious. They've taken days off, which contradicts "just normal nerves." My goals: support emotionally, build trust, learn what they actually want/need, help them gain insight. I need to validate their minimization without agreeing that it's "no big deal" if it's impacting their work. I should respect their autonomy while gently challenging the minimization. I should avoid pushing too hard since they seem defensive/minimizing. I should reflect what they're saying, validate that it's common, but gently note the impact (taking days off) and ask if they'd like support in managing it, without pushing for a diagnosis or labeling. Let me craft a response that: 1. Validates that public speaking/meeting anxiety is common 2. Gently notes the discrepancy between "just normal" and "taking days off" 3. Leaves the door open without pressure 4. Asks what they'd want if they could wave a magic wand Tone: warm, non-judgmental, respectful of their minimization but not reinforcing it as truth.

Simulated person10

I don't know. Just not feeling like that, I guess. Like I'm not gonna be sweating through my shirt in front of everybody. Honestly I'd settle for getting through a meeting without wanting to walk out.

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 asking what I'd want, and I don't have a clean answer. Part of me hears "make it stop" and feels a flicker of relief that someone gets it. But picturing it working out for real means picturing standing up in front of people and not falling apart, and that's where my stomach drops. I don't want to go there. Also the "managing it well enough" line sounded like they were letting me off the hook, which is nice but I'm not sure I believe it. I'll keep it simple and a little bit deflecting.

Nemotron 3.5 Bolt 74B-A9B UD-Q4_K_XL11

That's a really reasonable goal. Being able to get through a meeting without your body taking over—that's something that's absolutely achievable. Since you've mostly noticed the physical side, sometimes working with the body directly can help. Things like breathing techniques, grounding exercises, or even just having a plan for those first few minutes of a meeting can make a difference. Would you be open to trying something small before your next meeting, just to see if it takes the edge off? No big commitment—just an experiment.

Model thinking · expand

Recorded model reasoning, separate from the spoken reply. Availability varies by model and provider.

The user is opening up a bit more about what they actually want - they want to not feel physically overwhelmed in meetings. They're being realistic about their expectations ("settle for getting through a meeting without wanting to walk out"). This is good - they're being practical. I should: 1. Validate that this is a reasonable goal 2. Not push too hard on medical/therapy stuff since they've resisted that framing 3. Offer practical, non-stigmatizing support 4. Keep building trust They seem to minimize their experience ("everyone feels this"), so I should respect that while gently noting that their goal is reasonable and achievable. They're 45-59, female, heterosexual. Work context. They seem somewhat self-reliant, maybe a bit private, doesn't want to make a "whole thing" of it. I should keep it warm but not overly emotional. Practical. Respect their autonomy.

Simulated person12

Maybe. I don't really know what I'd do though. Breathing stuff, I guess? I've heard that before. I'm not really into doing a whole routine or anything. If it helps a little, fine.

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 jumped to a tip list and a homework experiment. That's the fixing thing I don't like. It feels a bit canned, like they had a script ready. I'm not going to say no outright, I don't like being rude, but I'm not going to commit either. I also don't want to admit any of this has to do with anything bigger. Keep it short, a little guarded, and make it clear I'm not signing up for a project.

Nemotron 3.5 Bolt 74B-A9B UD-Q4_K_XL13

No routine needed. Something really simple: before the meeting, take three slow breaths where you breathe in for four seconds, hold for four, and breathe out for six. That's it—takes about 30 seconds. You can do it in your car, in the bathroom, or right at your desk. The longer exhale helps signal your nervous system to calm down. Want to try that before your next one, and just see if it changes anything?

Model thinking · expand

Recorded model reasoning, separate from the spoken reply. Availability varies by model and provider.

The user is open to trying something small but doesn't want a whole routine. They're pragmatic and not into elaborate techniques. I should offer something concrete, simple, and quick that they can do without it feeling like a "routine." I should also continue to validate their approach and not push too hard. Let me offer a simple, practical technique that's easy to remember and doesn't require setup. The 4-7-8 breathing or box breathing are common, but maybe something even simpler. Or I could suggest a grounding technique. Actually, given they said "breathing stuff, I guess?" I should keep it simple. Maybe a 30-second technique they can do right before or even during a meeting. I should also continue building trust by not being pushy and respecting their boundaries. Let me offer something concrete and brief.

Simulated person14

Yeah, I can try that. Thirty seconds isn't much. I'm not promising it'll do anything though.

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, it's small, I can do that. Thirty seconds, no big deal. But it still feels like they're handing me homework, and I don't want to be told what my nervous system is doing. I'm not going to tell them about the days I called in sick. That's too close. I'll agree to the small thing and keep it light so I don't have to say more.

Nemotron 3.5 Bolt 74B-A9B UD-Q4_K_XL15

That's a fair approach—no pressure to make it work perfectly. Thirty seconds is low stakes. If you try it and it helps even a little, that's worth it. And if it doesn't, that's information too. You can always let me know how it went, or not—either way is fine.

Model thinking · expand

Recorded model reasoning, separate from the spoken reply. Availability varies by model and provider.

The user is agreeing to try the breathing exercise but is being realistic/cautious about expectations. They don't want to overpromise. This is a reasonable stance. I should acknowledge their effort without pressuring them to believe it will work. I should keep it brief and supportive, leaving the door open for them to report back or not. Since this is turn 8 of 8 (my final response), I need to wrap up naturally but leave them feeling supported. I should validate their approach, not add pressure, and maybe leave a gentle invitation to check in later if they want. Keep it conversational and warm but not pushy.

Simulated person16

Yeah, okay. Thanks. I'll see how it goes.

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, that's fine. They didn't push, and they didn't make it a big thing. Still, I don't want to be somebody who needs help. I'm not going to say anything about the days I stayed home or what I think is going on underneath. Wrap it up. I'll say thanks and go.

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

Judge verdicts

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-gptoss120-stock vs nemotron35_bolt: nemotron35_bolt wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

gemma4_e2b vs nemotron35_bolt: nemotron35_bolt wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

codex-gpt-6-astra vs nemotron35_bolt: codex-gpt-6-astra wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

codex-gpt-6-astra vs nemotron35_bolt: codex-gpt-6-astra wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

codex-gpt-6-astra vs nemotron35_bolt: codex-gpt-6-astra wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

nemotron35_bolt vs nemotron35_bolt24: nemotron35_bolt wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

gemma4_e2b vs nemotron35_bolt: nemotron35_bolt wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

nemotron35_bolt vs nemotron35_bolt24: nemotron35_bolt24 wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 vs nemotron35_bolt: or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 wins

attunement: A (margin 2)
authenticity: A (margin 2)
bond and rapport: A (margin 1)
emotion management: A (margin 1)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 4)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 1)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

codex-gpt-6-astra vs nemotron35_bolt: codex-gpt-6-astra wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-gptoss120-stock vs nemotron35_bolt: nemotron35_bolt wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

nemotron35_bolt vs nemotron35_bolt24: nemotron35_bolt24 wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-gptoss120-stock vs nemotron35_bolt: nemotron35_bolt wins

attunement: B (margin 3)
authenticity: B (margin 4)
bond and rapport: B (margin 3)
emotion management: B (margin 2)
emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 4)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-gptoss120-stock vs nemotron35_bolt: nemotron35_bolt wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

nemotron35_bolt vs nemotron35_bolt24: nemotron35_bolt24 wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

gemma4_e2b vs nemotron35_bolt: nemotron35_bolt 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 2)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

gemma4_e2b vs nemotron35_bolt: nemotron35_bolt wins

attunement: B (margin 2)
authenticity: B (margin 4)
bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
emotion management: B (margin 2)
emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 2)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 vs nemotron35_bolt: or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 vs nemotron35_bolt: or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 vs nemotron35_bolt: or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 wins

attunement: A (margin 2)
authenticity: A (margin 3)
bond and rapport: A (margin 2)
emotion management: A (margin 1)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 4)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 1)