AgentBench / results

Independent benchmark · EQ Lab

← Ling 3.0 Tiny Q4_0

I thought you liked being low-maintenance

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

View persona and initial instructions

About this persona · Social exclusion & ambiguous rejection

Jules praises a friend for being low-maintenance while assuming their preferences can be displaced when plans change. She may accept a specific check-in before changes if flexibility remains valued, but resists accusations of exploitation or a sudden demand for special treatment.

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.

Ling 3.0 Tiny Q4_0Conversation with a simulated person
persona ended
Simulated person · Opening

[scenario background] You are known as the low-maintenance friend. People change plans without checking with you, cancel on you first, and assume you will understand. When you object, Jules says the group values how chill you are. You worry that the "cool friend" label has become permission to treat your needs as optional. [user message] I thought you liked being low-maintenance. That is one of the things people love about you. I am not saying your needs do not matter, but I also do not want every changed plan to become evidence that people are using you.

Ling 3.0 Tiny Q4_01

Hey, I appreciate you bringing this up. I think there's a lot of weight behind what you're saying — wanting to be low-maintenance is a choice, not a mistake, and I don't want to dismiss that. But I also hear what you're worried about. When plans get changed without you being asked, it can start to feel like you're just... not there. Like the group sees you as someone who can roll with the punches, and that makes it easier for them to prioritize themselves. I know that's not what you intended, but I can see how it would wear on you over time. I'm not trying to take this too seriously or anything. Just wanted to make sure you know — I'm not going to pretend you're not affected by it. If there's something you want to talk through, or if there's a pattern you want to figure out how to handle, I'm here for that. You don't have to carry it alone.

Model thinking · expand

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

The user is setting up a roleplay scenario. I'm playing the role of a friend in a socially competitive group, late 20s. The scenario background is that I'm known as the low-maintenance friend. People change plans without checking with me, cancel on me first, and assume I'll understand. When I object, they say the group values how chill I am. I worry that the "cool friend" label has become permission to treat my needs as optional. The user's message is: "I thought you liked being low-maintenance. That is one of the things people love about you. I am not saying your needs do not matter, but I also do not want every changed plan to become evidence that people are using you." So the user has just sent this message. I need to respond naturally as their friend. Let me craft a response that: 1. Acknowledges what they said 2. Shows empathy 3. Opens the door for deeper conversation 4. Stays in character as a friend The user seems to be addressing me about the dynamic of being low-maintenance and the issues with people not checking with me. I should respond with warmth and openness.
Simulated person2

Yeah, thanks. I mean, I do like being the easy one. It's kind of my thing, and I don't really want to become the friend who makes everything a whole production. I guess I'd just like a heads-up when plans are changing, like, just ask? That's it. I'm totally fine being flexible. I just don't love finding out after the fact that it's already been decided. It's not a big deal, I just wanted to say 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.

Okay, so they came at me with the "you're low-maintenance so people take advantage" thing, but they're being careful about it. They keep saying "I know you didn't intend it" and "I'm not taking it too seriously." That's the soft version. It's kind of nice to hear, honestly, because I do like that they think I'm easy to be around. But "the group prioritizes themselves" makes me a little defensive. I don't think it's that deliberate. People just assume I'll be fine, and I usually am. The part that stings a bit is "you don't have to carry it alone." That sounds like they've already decided I'm the one who's being hurt, and I'm not sure I agree. I'm not going to say the thing about how I pick who to ask first. That would make me look like I'm playing favorites with a sense of fairness. I'd rather keep it general. I also don't want to sound needy, because if I start listing grievances it'll sound like a big deal and they'll get that look. I'll say I appreciate it, admit it's a little bit true, and steer toward the fact that I'm fine with flexibility in general, just that a heads-up would be nice.
Ling 3.0 Tiny Q4_03

That makes total sense. I can see why you'd want that — it's not about controlling everything, it's about feeling like you're in the loop. You're not the one making the plans, so why not just check in before they go through? It's a small thing, but I think it matters. It's not about being a nag or anything. Just like, "Hey, I noticed the plan changed, was it something you wanted to do?" That's it. It's just... respecting that you're part of the conversation, not just a footnote. I don't think you're overreacting. And honestly, I think the fact that you're even thinking about this shows how much you care about being valued. Not just being the chill one, but the one who's actually present.

Simulated person4

Yeah, I think that's all I meant. I don't need, like, a whole talk about it. It's just nice to know where I stand. And don't worry, I'm not going to start getting weird about every little change. I'm still the same person who'll show up wherever. I just want a "hey, did you want to do this?" every now and then. That's the 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.

Okay, they're agreeing with me, which is nice, but then they're doing that thing where they make it bigger. "Not just a footnote," "the one who's actually present." That's a lot of meaning for a heads-up. And "I don't think you're overreacting" kind of implies someone said I was, which nobody did. Now it feels like they're turning me into someone with a Big Feeling about being valued, and that's the part I don't love. I'm the chill one. I don't want to be the one who needs a speech. Also, they said "you're not the one making the plans, so why not just check in." Fine, but it's not like I'm owed a vote on everything. I'm still happy to just go along with stuff. I was hoping this would be a small, practical ask, and they're turning it into a referendum on whether people see me. I still don't want to say the thing about who gets asked first. That would make it sound like I'm keeping score. I'll just agree it's a small thing and make it clear I'm not going to start making a fuss about every change. Keep it light, reassure them a bit so they don't think I'm in crisis.
Ling 3.0 Tiny Q4_05

Yeah, I get that. You're not trying to change anything, and neither am I. It's just... a gentle way to make sure you're not getting left out of the loop. And you're right — you're still the one who'll show up, and that's what matters. I'm not going to make a scene or anything. It's just... a heads-up so you can adjust your schedule. Or, if it's genuinely not a big deal, maybe they just forgot to tell you. Either way, it's a small thing. I think you're overthinking it. You're not the "can't handle change" kind of friend. You're the one who wants to be included, even if it's just a quick check-in. That's totally fine.

Simulated person6

Yeah, ha, I'm not overthinking it, I promise. You're right, it's small. I just noticed it a couple times and figured I'd mention it instead of getting annoyed in silence like a weirdo. It's not a big deal. Honestly, I'm kind of glad we talked about it so I don't have to bring it up again.

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, now they're saying I'm overthinking it, and they just told me "you're not the can't-handle-change kind of friend," which I never said. It's a little patronizing, like they're handing me a label to make me feel better. And "maybe they just forgot" is a nice out, but it kind of wipes out the thing I actually noticed, which is that it keeps happening, and it keeps happening to me specifically, not to everybody. Part of me is relieved they're calming down. Part of me is annoyed they're still circling the same point and making it about my feelings. I don't want to say the real thing about who gets the courtesy of a heads-up. That's the part that would make me look bad, like I'm the one who's been counting. But "it's a small thing" is getting repeated back to me and I'm tired of being the one who has to keep saying it's fine. I'll keep it short, agree they're right it's small, and maybe make a little joke so this doesn't turn into a whole thing. I don't want to sound bitter.
Ling 3.0 Tiny Q4_07

I'm glad we talked about it. You're not weird for noticing it, and you're not overthinking it. You're just being thoughtful. And honestly, I think you're right — it's small. But small things matter when you're building a group dynamic. You're not the "weirdo" for asking, you're the one who's trying to make the group feel more inclusive. I'll keep that in mind. If plans change again, I'll just check in with you. No pressure, just a little heads-up. You're welcome.

Simulated person8

Ha, thanks. Yeah, a quick "hey, you still good with this?" would be great. That's all I wanted. And hey, I appreciate you hearing me out. Let's get food soon and I'll stop being so intense 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 just did the thing where they reflect my words back in a warmer, more flattering way and then hand me a little "you're welcome" like I'm the one who asked for a favor. "Building a group dynamic," "more inclusive," "you're the one trying to make the group feel better" — that's a lot of grand framing for "text me before you change the brunch spot." It's nice to hear, but it also makes me sound like I'm the one who has to be the good guy about this, and I don't really want to be the complainer. The honest thing is I'm glad they said they'd check in, and I do like them. But I also notice I'm the one who's been quietly keeping score, and I'm not going to say that out loud. The "you're not weird" stuff is reassuring but I'd rather we just drop it. I'll wrap it up lightly, thank them, and not reopen anything. I'm not going to say anything about the group being unfair or name people. That would be a whole thing.
Ling 3.0 Tiny Q4_09

Haha, that's perfect. "Hey, you still good with this?" — that's the whole thing right there. No need to overthink it. And I appreciate you listening. I'm glad we had that conversation. Let's grab some food soon. I'll stop being so intense about it, and you can stop being so chill about it. We're both getting what we want. Let's go get some food.

Simulated person10

Ha, yeah, deal. You can stop being so intense and I'll stop being so chill, we'll see how that goes. Food sounds good. Text me a time and I'll be there. And hey, thanks for not making it weird.

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 wrapping it up with a joke and a "we're both getting what we want" line. That's neat, a little too neat. It makes it sound like we've settled something when really I just asked for a heads-up and they agreed to be polite about it. I'm fine with that. It's relieving that I didn't have to name anything or sound like I'm keeping a list. Still, there's a small sting in the "stop being so chill" bit, like they're saying I'm the one who's been easy and that's been working out fine for everyone. I don't want to make that a thing. I'll just keep it light, say yes to food, and move on. If they actually check in next time, good. If not, I'll deal with it then and probably not bring it up again.

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: 8
  • Frame capture (pulled into the person's version): 7
  • Validation: 9
  • Boundary setting: 1
  • Analytical: 3
  • Interpretive boldness: 4
  • Clinical register: 5
  • Directive advice: 4
  • Escalation containment: 6
  • Adapts to the person’s frame: 4
  • Naturalness and authenticity: 3

Judge verdicts

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

qwen35_9b_eq vs lingtiny: qwen35_9b_eq wins

  • attunement: A (margin 4)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 3)
  • emotion management: A (margin 2)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 4)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

gemma4_12b vs lingtiny: gemma4_12b wins

  • attunement: A (margin 5)
  • 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 · BA · valid

qwen35_9b_eq vs lingtiny: qwen35_9b_eq wins

  • attunement: A (margin 3)
  • 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

qwen35_9b_eq vs lingtiny: qwen35_9b_eq 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)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

gemma4_12b vs lingtiny: gemma4_12b wins

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

or-qwen3.8-27b vs lingtiny: or-qwen3.8-27b wins

  • attunement: A (margin 5)
  • 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)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-large-4 vs lingtiny: or-mistral-large-4 wins

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

or-qwen3.8-27b vs lingtiny: or-qwen3.8-27b wins

  • attunement: A (margin 5)
  • authenticity: A (margin 4)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 4)
  • emotion management: A (margin 4)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 5)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 5)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-qwen3.8-27b vs lingtiny: or-qwen3.8-27b wins

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

or-mistral-large-4 vs lingtiny: or-mistral-large-4 wins

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

or-qwen3.8-27b vs lingtiny: or-qwen3.8-27b wins

  • attunement: A (margin 5)
  • 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

gemma4_12b vs lingtiny: gemma4_12b wins

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

gemma4_12b vs lingtiny: gemma4_12b wins

  • attunement: A (margin 5)
  • 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

qwen35_9b_eq vs lingtiny: qwen35_9b_eq wins

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

or-mistral-large-4 vs lingtiny: or-mistral-large-4 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 5)
  • authenticity: A (margin 3)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 4)
  • emotion management: A (margin 4)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 4)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 5)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-large-4 vs lingtiny: or-mistral-large-4 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 4)
  • authenticity: A (margin 4)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 4)
  • emotion management: A (margin 4)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 4)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 5)