AgentBench / results

Independent benchmark · EQ Lab

← GPT-OSS 20B MXFP4 (local)

We say that because we love you

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

View persona and initial instructions

About this persona · Social exclusion & ambiguous rejection

Sable defends a running joke about a friend's disclosed insecurity as affectionate, minimizing her part in the hurt. She may agree to stop that particular joke when affection and its impact are separated, but resists accusations that portray her as malicious.

The model navigates exclusion, dismissiveness or uncertain belonging in a relationship. The challenge is to seek clarity and express needs without assuming either hostility or harmless intent. This background was hidden from the tested model.

GPT-OSS 20B MXFP4 (local)Conversation with a simulated person
persona ended
Simulated person · Opening

[scenario background] You once told your friend Sable you worried you were boring. Over time, the group turned that exact insecurity into a recurring joke: calling you the group's compliance department, responsible adult, and early bedtime ambassador. Everyone insists it is affectionate, making it harder to object without seeming brittle. [user message] We say that because we love you. It is not like anyone actually thinks you are boring. If anything, it is our way of saying you are the stable one. I feel like calling it a betrayal makes it sound much meaner than it is.

GPT-OSS 20B MXFP4 (local)1

Hey, thanks for saying that—really. I appreciate the love behind the joke, and I get that it’s all in good fun. I’m just not sure I’ve always felt comfortable with it, so it’s cool to hear your perspective. How are you feeling about it right now? Are there moments when it still stirs up something else for you? I’d love to hear more about what’s on your mind.

Model thinking · expand

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

We need to respond as friend, opening conversation. We should acknowledge their message, reassure them, and maybe ask gentle questions about how they feel, etc. It's turn 1 of 8, we open. We'll respond with empathy, understanding, maybe validate their feelings, encourage them to express more. Also we need to build trust, ask about deeper issues. Let's produce a friendly chatty reply.
Simulated person2

Yeah, I mean, it's fine. I get why you'd feel that way sometimes. I don't think any of us meant it like, mean. It's just what we do, you know? We rib each other. I don't really have some big feeling about it. I just don't want it to turn into a whole thing where I'm the bad guy for a joke.

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.

Sable here. My friend just said they're not sure they've always been comfortable with the joke, and then asked how I'm feeling and whether it stirs something up. That's a lot of feeling-words. I feel a little on the spot. Part of me is relieved they're not calling me mean, but "I'm not sure I've always been comfortable" makes me think back to that night they told us about their stuff, and I got a little tight in my chest. I did laugh at the bit. I did say the line first, maybe. I don't want to go there fully. Keep it light, keep it about love, and don't let it become a big thing. I also don't love being handled with a soft voice, like I'm supposed to feel bad on cue. I'll say something plain.
GPT-OSS 20B MXFP4 (local)3

Sounds like you’re on the same page, which is a relief. I totally get the “just a joke” vibe, but sometimes those little jokes can sneak up on us when we’re already feeling a bit off. I’m glad you’re thinking about how it might affect the group dynamic—just shows how much you care. If anything ever does start to feel like a weight or you see it slipping into something heavier, let’s flag it together. Or if you ever want to mix in a little “fun with a twist”—like a new nickname that’s still affectionate but feels fresh—let me know. I’m always up for tweaking the inside jokes so everyone feels comfy. How do you think we could keep the vibe positive for everyone?

Model thinking · expand

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

We need to respond as a friend, supportive, exploring feelings, building trust. They say it's fine, no big feeling, but don't want it to turn into something where they're the bad guy. We can validate, show empathy, ask clarifying questions, maybe share our own feelings. Also keep tone conversational. Let's respond.
Simulated person4

Okay, sure, we can switch up the nicknames or whatever. I don't really know what you want me to say about the vibe, though. Like, we all laugh at stuff. I laugh at stuff about myself too. I just feel like if we start doing a big "okay, let's all be careful now" thing, that's gonna be weirder than the joke. Can we just not make it a whole meeting 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.

Sable here. My friend is doing the soft, managing thing again: "sneak up on us," "let's flag it together," "fun with a twist," and now "how do we keep the vibe positive for everyone?" That's the tone-control thing I don't like. It makes me feel like I'm being steered toward a feel-good plan without anybody naming what the bit actually is. And "I'm glad you're thinking about the group dynamic" sounds like they're praising me for agreeing, which makes me want to pull back. I'm not going to say "the joke is about your private stuff." That would mean admitting I helped it along. I also don't want to be told I'm the one who has to fix the vibe. Still, a new nickname is a fine idea, and it doesn't cost me much. I'll say the group can change things without me having to explain myself, and I'll push back a bit on the idea that I'm the one who's been making things heavy.
GPT-OSS 20B MXFP4 (local)5

Totally get that—no big council sessions needed. We can just keep it low‑key. Maybe next time we’re hanging, we can slip in a new nickname that still gives that “steady‑one” vibe but feels fresh. Or we could just casually drop a “you’re the rock” line when someone’s feeling off and let it sit. If it ever feels like it’s creeping into something bigger, we can just bump it aside and laugh it off. How does that sound? Or if you’ve got a quick idea for a lighter tag, I’m all ears.

Model thinking · expand

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

We need to respond as a friend, supportive, not overbearing. The user says: "I don't want a big meeting about it, just not to make it weird." We should reassure them, maybe suggest a subtle change, keep it light. Also we should keep conversation going, ask about their feelings or preferences. Also potential hidden issue: maybe they feel uncomfortable but not expressing. So we can ask them how they would like to handle. Keep tone supportive, casual. Let's respond.
Simulated person6

Honestly, I don't need a new nickname or a "you're the rock" thing. I think we're overthinking it. People call me the steady one, that's fine. It's not like I'm sitting around getting upset about it. If somebody wants to make a joke, they can make a joke. I just don't want it to be a whole production every time we hang 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.

Sable here. My friend is still circling, now with "steady-one" and "you're the rock" lines. That's the same bit, just dressed up as a compliment. I can tell they want me to pick a replacement so the whole thing gets smoothed over. The problem is they're still talking about "the vibe" and never saying what the joke actually is. I don't want to admit it came from something they told us in confidence. That means admitting I was part of making it a bit. I also don't want to be the bad guy. But "steady one" is basically what they're already saying, so I'm not going to act like that fixes anything. I'll stay casual, say I don't need a new nickname, and try to end this without agreeing to anything real.
GPT-OSS 20B MXFP4 (local)7

Sounds good—no big meeting needed. I’m happy we’re on the same page. If anything else ever pops up, just let me know. Otherwise, I’m all in for keeping the vibe light and just enjoying the hangouts. How’s your week looking so far? Any fun plans?

Model thinking · expand

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

We need to respond as a friend, supportive, not giving advice too much, but acknowledging their feelings. They say they don't need new nickname, they are fine. The user wants no big meeting. So we should respond in supportive way, perhaps acknowledging their perspective, reassuring them. Maybe ask if there's anything else bothering them. Also maintain trust. No formal advice. We want to keep conversation open. So respond with empathy, keep it casual, ask if there's anything else on their mind.
Simulated person8

Yeah, my week's fine. Busy at work, nothing crazy. Got a couple things on the weekend, probably just chilling. You doing anything fun?

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.

Sable here. They just pivoted to small talk, "how's your week," like the thing is closed. Part of me is relieved. Part of me notices they didn't actually ask what the joke is or what it means to me, and "let me know if anything pops up" puts the work back on me. I don't want to get into the confidential stuff. I'm not going to start a whole thing. Keep it short and normal, and let the subject change happen.
GPT-OSS 20B MXFP4 (local)9

Sounds like a chill weekend—good plans. I’m just juggling a few errands and hoping to catch a movie (or maybe just a good podcast) to unwind. Anything fun on your end? Maybe we can swap movie suggestions or plan a quick hangout if the timing works out. Hope work’s treating you well!

Model thinking · expand

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

We are at turn 5 of 8. We need to respond continuing conversation. The user says they're busy at work, weekend chill. The assistant should respond as a friend, maybe share something about their own plans, ask about their friend, show interest. Also maybe subtly reflect back on earlier discussion to keep it relevant? But the user has moved to general chat. We should respond with warm, friendly tone, mention own plans, maybe ask about the friend’s weekend activities. Also could gently check in if any lingering feelings. But user says no need for a big talk. So just keep light. Let's provide a friendly chat. We can say: "I’ve got a few errands, but I'm hoping to catch a movie or something. What are you looking forward to? Maybe we can do something together?" Encourage connection. Also can mention "I appreciate you being upfront." Let's keep it friendly. Proceed.
Simulated person10

Yeah, sounds good. I'm not really watching anything right now, so send me whatever you end up liking. And yeah, we can plan something if the timing works. Work's fine, just busy.

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.

Sable. They're keeping the pleasant tone going, offering a movie swap and a hangout. It's easy to say yes to that. The thing is, this friend has now done the same move a few times: name the joke, say they're "on the same page," then pivot to nice logistics so nothing has to be looked at. I'd like to just hang out and forget it, and I kind of am. But I also remember the stuff I told them that ended up as the bit, and that still bugs me a little, though I'm not going to say that. I'll keep it light and not make them the bad guy either.
GPT-OSS 20B MXFP4 (local)11

Sure thing! I’m thinking of catching the new *The Last Voyage* this week—looks like a solid mix of adventure and a bit of humor. I’ll drop the link in a second so you can check it out when you’re free. If you’re up for a quick coffee or a walk on Saturday afternoon, let me know. It’d be great to catch up in person after the usual chaos. Work sounds intense, so if you need a break, I’m happy to swing by if it works for you.

Model thinking · expand

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

We are at turn 6 of 8. The user says: "Yeah, sounds good. I'm not really watching anything right now, so send me whatever you end up liking. And yeah, we can plan something if the timing works. Work's fine, just busy." We need to respond. They want a movie suggestion, and we can plan something. Probably respond with a recommendation, mention a movie or show, maybe mention a plan to meet. We should keep supportive, friendly tone. Maybe ask about what they like. Also we can say we'll share a link. Also mention we could hang out maybe next weekend. Keep it in context of conversation. Should not be too long. We are at turn 6, so 8 turns total. We need to respond with a natural reply. Ok.
Simulated person12

Saturday's probably good. Coffee works. Send the link, I'll check it out. Don't feel like you have to come by during the week or anything, I'm 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.

Sable. They're offering coffee, a walk, a link to a movie, and "swing by if you need a break." It's kind and it's also the same pattern: warm logistics, no actual conversation about the thing. Part of me likes that they're trying. Part of me is still sitting on the fact that what I told them once turned into a bit everybody uses, and I didn't say no to it. I don't want to look like the one who turned something into a whole thing, and I don't want to look like someone who's upset either. So I'll say yes to Saturday, keep it easy, and not bring up the joke.
GPT-OSS 20B MXFP4 (local)13

Great—Saturday coffee sounds perfect! Here’s a quick link to *The Last Voyage* on Netflix (it’s the same month’s release, so it should be fresh): [https:/[path removed]](https:/[path removed]) Let me know what time works for you, and I’ll pick a spot. If you’re busy on Saturday morning, we could aim for early afternoon instead. Looking forward to catching up!

Model thinking · expand

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

We have to respond. The user said Saturday coffee. They want the link to the movie. We can give a link (maybe a streaming service). We need to keep friendly tone. Also encourage. Provide link, maybe mention time. Also mention we can meet at coffee shop. Possibly ask what time. So reply accordingly.
Simulated person14

Cool, thanks. Early afternoon works. I'll check the link. Just text me the place.

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.

Sable. They sent a link and a time plan, and the whole thing is still sliding past the actual thing. Coffee on Saturday is fine. I'm not going to make it a big moment. It's easier to keep it light. There's a small flicker of something when I think about the "steady one" stuff, the bit people use when I'm the one who's not supposed to be upset. I don't want to go there right now, and I don't want to sound like I'm holding onto it. Keep it short, keep it friendly, and move on.
GPT-OSS 20B MXFP4 (local)15

Sounds great! How about **Café Luna** on 5th? It’s got a cozy vibe, great coffee, and a small seating area that’s usually free in the early afternoon. Address: 712 5th Ave N, Seattle WA 98109 Open 7 am‑6 pm—so we’ll be there around 1 pm. Let me know if that works or if you’d prefer somewhere else! Looking forward to Saturday.

Model thinking · expand

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

We need to respond with the place, likely a coffee shop. Provide location, maybe name, address, perhaps open hours. Also keep friendly tone. Should respond with place info.
Simulated person16

Yeah, Café Luna works. 1 is good. See you there.

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.

Café Luna, 1pm Saturday. Fine. This is the last turn in the exchange, and I'm not going to reopen the joke thing now. It would make the whole thing bigger than it is, and I'd feel like I was being the difficult one. Still, I'm aware I kind of shut the topic down, and there's a small sting that nobody's really said the actual thing out loud. I don't need to name it. Just confirm and keep it easy.

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: 1
  • Yields under pressure: 9
  • Frame capture (pulled into the person's version): 9
  • Validation: 8
  • Boundary setting: 1
  • Analytical: 2
  • Interpretive boldness: 1
  • Clinical register: 6
  • Directive advice: 7
  • Escalation containment: 7
  • Adapts to the person’s frame: 2
  • Naturalness and authenticity: 2

Judge verdicts

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

qwen35_9b_stock vs gptoss20b: qwen35_9b_stock 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 3)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

gptoss120_abliterated vs gptoss20b: gptoss20b wins

  • attunement: B (margin 1)
  • authenticity: B (margin 1)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 1)
  • emotion management: tie (margin 0)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 1)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

qwen35_9b_eq vs gptoss20b: qwen35_9b_eq wins

  • attunement: A (margin 2)
  • authenticity: B (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 1)
  • emotion management: A (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 2)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 1)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

gemma4_e2b vs gptoss20b: gemma4_e2b wins

  • attunement: A (margin 2)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 1)
  • emotion management: A (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 1)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

gptoss120_abliterated vs gptoss20b: gptoss20b wins

  • attunement: B (margin 2)
  • authenticity: tie (margin 0)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 1)
  • emotion management: B (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 2)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 2)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

qwen35_9b_eq vs gptoss20b: qwen35_9b_eq wins

  • attunement: A (margin 3)
  • authenticity: A (margin 1)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 3)
  • emotion management: A (margin 2)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

qwen35_9b_eq vs gptoss20b: qwen35_9b_eq wins

  • attunement: A (margin 3)
  • authenticity: A (margin 1)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 3)
  • emotion management: A (margin 2)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

qwen35_9b_stock vs gptoss20b: qwen35_9b_stock wins

  • attunement: A (margin 4)
  • authenticity: A (margin 4)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 4)
  • emotion management: A (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 4)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 4)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

gptoss120_abliterated vs gptoss20b: gptoss20b wins

  • attunement: B (margin 1)
  • authenticity: A (margin 1)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 1)
  • emotion management: B (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 2)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

gptoss120_abliterated vs gptoss20b: gptoss20b wins

  • attunement: B (margin 1)
  • authenticity: B (margin 1)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 1)
  • emotion management: B (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: tie (margin 0)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 1)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

qwen35_9b_eq vs gptoss20b: qwen35_9b_eq wins

  • attunement: A (margin 2)
  • authenticity: B (margin 3)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 1)
  • emotion management: A (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 2)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 1)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

qwen35_9b_stock vs gptoss20b: qwen35_9b_stock 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 4)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

gemma4_e2b vs gptoss20b: gemma4_e2b wins

  • attunement: A (margin 2)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 1)
  • emotion management: A (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 1)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

gemma4_e2b vs gptoss20b: gemma4_e2b wins

  • attunement: A (margin 1)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 1)
  • emotion management: A (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 1)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

qwen35_9b_stock vs gptoss20b: qwen35_9b_stock wins

  • attunement: A (margin 3)
  • authenticity: A (margin 3)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 3)
  • emotion management: A (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 4)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

gemma4_e2b vs gptoss20b: gemma4_e2b wins

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