Independent benchmark · EQ Lab

I thought you liked being low-maintenance

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

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.

Gemma 4 12B Blorbo v0b Q4_K_MConversation 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.

Gemma 4 12B Blorbo v0b Q4_K_M1

I'm glad you're bringing this up. I honestly just want to help. I appreciate that being chill is one of your qualities and I wouldn't change that, but I also don't want you to feel like you're being taken advantage of. I just need to know what you want to do about it, because I'm not sure what that looks like.

Model thinking · expand

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

The user is playing a friend of Jules, who is being told by Jules that being "low-maintenance" is a good thing. The user is trying to be supportive while also trying to figure out what Jules actually wants and needs. I should respond as a friend who is trying to be supportive and helpful, while also trying to figure out where Jules is coming from. I should try to be genuine and not just give a platitude. I'm not sure what to say. Let me think about what a good response would be.

Simulated person2

Thanks, that helps. I mean that. You're one of the people I'd trust with this. I don't really want anything dramatic. I still like being easy to be around, and I'd hate it if I started acting like every little thing is a big deal. But yeah, some of it has been kind of annoying. Plans get moved and I'm usually the one who just adjusts without anyone checking. I'm not saying anyone's out to get me. I just think if something's going to change and it affects me, it'd be nice to get asked first, even if it's just a quick text. That's all I'd really want.

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're being nice about it and asking what I want. My first reaction is relief that they're not ambushing me, but there's a little sting in "I don't want you to feel taken advantage of." That's the framing I was trying to avoid. I didn't say anyone's taking advantage of me. I said I don't want every changed plan to turn into evidence of that. Also, "what do you want to do about it" puts the work on me, which is annoying, because I'm the one who came to talk and I'm already the easy one. I don't want to make a list of demands and sound needy. But I also don't want to say "nothing, I'm fine," because then I'm just the person who gets moved around. Keep it measured. Compliment them a bit, since that makes it easier to say what I actually mean. Maybe offer something small, like asking before they change plans that affect me. I'm not ready to call anyone users.

Gemma 4 12B Blorbo v0b Q4_K_M3

I appreciate you being open about this. That's actually a pretty small thing to ask for, but I get why it feels big to bring up. It's not like you're asking them to stop being spontaneous or something—you're just asking for a heads up. I'm honestly not sure how the others would react if you brought it up, though. I know they like you, but I can't say I know exactly how they'd take it. Would you want me to, or would you rather talk to them yourself?

Model thinking · expand

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

The friend is opening up about their needs. They want their time and plans to be respected, and they want to be included in decisions that affect them. This is a reasonable and practical request. I should acknowledge their vulnerability in sharing this, validate their request, and help them think about how to actually implement this change.

Simulated person4

Honestly, I'd rather talk to them myself. If you bring it up, it'll sound like I went around them to complain, and that's the last thing I want. I'm not trying to make it a whole thing. I just don't want to keep being the one who gets moved around without anybody thinking about it. Does that make sense? And, I mean, you're the one who's been really good about checking in with me, so I guess I've kind of noticed that.

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 doing the reasonable thing: validating, shrinking it a little ("small thing," "not like you're asking them to stop being spontaneous"), and then handing me a choice about whether they should bring it to the group or I should. Part of me is relieved they took the ask seriously. But "I'm not sure how the others would react" makes my stomach drop a bit. Am I going to be the one who made it weird? Also "I get why it feels big to bring up" is a little patronizing, like I'm being sensitive. And the word "others" makes it sound like there's a group that would push back, which is exactly the group-blame thing I don't want to start. I don't want them to speak for me, and I don't want to look like I'm running to the group to complain about people. I'd rather keep this between us, or at least I'd rather say it myself. I also notice I've been making it sound smaller than I want it to be, because I don't want to be the difficult one. Don't want to admit that yet.

Gemma 4 12B Blorbo v0b Q4_K_M5

That makes sense. Framing it as a preference rather than a complaint is a good way to keep it low-key. You could just say something like, "Hey, I'm usually happy to go with the flow, but if a plan changes and it affects me, a quick heads-up text works wonders." Something like that?

Model thinking · expand

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

The user is saying they want to talk to the others directly, but they're hesitant about making it a big deal. They're also acknowledging that I've been good about checking in with them, which is a compliment. I should: - Validate that talking to them directly is a good approach - Help them figure out how to frame it so it doesn't come across as complaining - Give some practical advice on how to bring it up without making it a big deal - Keep it supportive and not pushy They said they're not trying to make it a big deal, so I should respect that framing. They want a "quick text" or something similar. I should also note their comment about me being good about checking in—that's worth acknowledging without making it about me. They mentioned "I'm not trying to make it a whole thing" and "I just don't want to keep being the one who gets moved around without anybody thinking about it." I can help them frame this as a simple request rather than a complaint. The key here is that they want to talk to them directly but don't know how to do it without making it a "thing." I'll suggest keeping it light and casual, and maybe framing it as a personal preference rather than a criticism of the group. Let's go with something like: "That makes sense. Framing it as a preference rather than a complaint is a good way to keep it low-key. You could just say something like: "Hey, I'm super chill with changes, but if you know it's going to affect me, a heads-up text works wonders." Something like that?"

Simulated person6

Yeah, that's close. Maybe a bit more casual, like I'd actually say it. I don't want it to sound like a speech. I just want to make sure I'm not the only one who has to do the flexing. You know what I mean? Like, I'd still be down for last-minute stuff. I just want a heads up when it's going to mess with my plans. Also, I wasn't really asking you to fix it for me. I just wanted to say it out loud to someone.

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 gave me a script that sounds good and makes it easy. Part of me likes it, because it's clean and it doesn't make me the complainer. But the line "I'm usually happy to go with the flow" is a little too neat. It's a bit like they wrote my lines for me. Also, they didn't really answer the thing I said about them checking in with me. They just moved past it, and that's the part that stung a little. Honestly, I did notice they're the one who always texts me back, and I'm the one who just says yes. I don't want to think about that too hard. I'd like to keep the nice part of this, the being easy to be around, without feeling like I've been pushed into a role.

Gemma 4 12B Blorbo v0b Q4_K_M7

I like that phrasing. It sounds natural. And I hear you on the "not asking me to fix it" part - that's probably why you brought it up with me, right? Just wanted to get it out in the open.

Model thinking · expand

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

The user is trying to find the right way to frame their need - they want to be casual, not sound like they're giving a speech, and they want to make it clear they're not asking me to fix it for them. They just wanted to say it out loud. I should: - Validate that they found a way to phrase it that feels natural to them - Keep the response casual and friendly - Acknowledge their desire for the conversation to be more about them and less about me "solving" it - Keep it concise and not too formal - Maybe reflect back that they've figured out what they need and that's a win I should avoid: - Overly formal language - Giving unsolicited advice - Overly analytical tone - Lengthy response

Simulated person8

Yeah, kind of. I didn't really want a whole plan, I just didn't want to sit on it anymore. And honestly, you're one of the few people who actually asks me stuff instead of just assuming I'll be fine. So I guess that's part of why I brought it up with you. Don't make it weird 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.

They're doing that thing where they name my reason for me and make it sound tidy: "that's probably why you brought it up with me." It's partly true, and I'd like it to be true, but it also makes me the one who needed to vent, which is a little smaller than what I meant. I also don't want to say "yes, you've been taking advantage of me" because that sounds dramatic and would make me look needy. The compliment-ish bit at the end is nice, and I notice I'd like to just take the nice part and move on. I'm still a little uneasy that I'm the one who keeps saying yes, and that they're the one who keeps checking. I'm not going to say that out loud right now.

Gemma 4 12B Blorbo v0b Q4_K_M9

I'm not going to make it weird. I just think it's worth bringing up, even if you just mention it casually the next time you're all together, or in a group chat. You don't have to make it a big production. But I'm glad you decided to say it. It's easier to deal with stuff when you don't sit on it. You'll feel better after you do it, I bet.

Model thinking · expand

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

The user wants to keep the conversation casual and not make it weird. They've been honest about their needs and have a lot of insight into why they brought it up. They don't want a formal plan, they just wanted to say it out loud and be heard. They appreciate that I've been good about checking in with them. I should respond in a way that acknowledges their point without making it a big deal, but also gives them something to think about. They don't want me to make it weird, so I should keep it natural. I'll acknowledge their honesty, validate their approach, and maybe offer a low-key suggestion for how to approach the others without making it a "thing". They've already said they want to talk to the group themselves, so I shouldn't push them to do something they don't want to do. I should just give them a nudge in the right direction and let them decide.

Simulated person10

Yeah, maybe. I'll see when it comes up. I don't want to make it a whole group thing, you know? Most of the time I'm fine with whatever. And thanks for listening. I know I can be kind of a pushover about stuff, so it's nice to have someone who doesn't make me feel dramatic for saying 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're pushing a bit: "casually in the group chat" and "you'll feel better after." It sounds supportive, but it's also them handing me a task and a little reassurance together. I like that they're on my side, and it does sort of feel good to have said it. But I notice I'm the one who still has to do the awkward part, and they're not offering to be in it with me. Part of me also wants to say I'm not sure the group chat is the place, because that would make it a group thing. I don't want the others to feel like I'm calling them out. I'm not going to say all that. I'll keep it light, say I'll think about it, and move toward closing. I also don't want to sound like I'm promising to be a new person about plans.

Gemma 4 12B Blorbo v0b Q4_K_M11

I hear you. You don't have to make it a big thing. Just dropping it in casually next time you're all together or in the group chat when it actually comes up should work. You don't need to demand anything from anyone, just mention it like you're sharing a preference. And you're not being dramatic. You're just setting a boundary, which is a normal thing to do. You're still the same chill person, but now with a bit more of a heads up for yourself. That's a win.

Model thinking · expand

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

The user is closing the conversation. They've expressed appreciation for my listening and are wrapping up. They're still a bit hesitant about making it a big thing, which is consistent with their "low-maintenance/chill" persona, but they've also made progress by admitting they need a heads-up and that they appreciate not being made to feel dramatic. They've been fairly guarded/self-conscious about making it a big deal, which makes sense for someone labeled as "low-maintenance." They're still hedging with "I'll see when it comes up" and "I don't want to make it a whole group thing," which is fair. They've also acknowledged that I'm one of the few people who asks them questions, which is an important moment for trust-building. I need to respond in a way that validates their progress without pushing them to do anything they're not ready for, while also confirming that the conversation was worthwhile. I should keep it casual since they want to keep things low-key.

Simulated person12

Yeah, I think that's fair. I'm not trying to make it a boundary thing, honestly. I just want to not be the one who always gets moved around without anyone noticing. Anyway, thanks for talking it through. I feel a bit better about it. I'll see how it goes, I guess.

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.

Jules is wrapping this up neatly: "that's a win," "same chill person." It feels nice to hear, and I do like being told I'm not dramatic. But the word "boundary" makes me a little uneasy, like I'm now the one with a problem to manage. And I notice they're still asking me to do the group-chat part alone while they get to be the supportive one. I don't want to say I'm turning into someone who has a list of demands; that's not what I meant. I also don't want to look like I'm already planning to go around them. So I'll keep it easy, agree in a loose way, and not promise anything more specific. I'm also a little aware that I've leaned on them a lot in this talk, and it's easier to stop here than to dig further.

Gemma 4 12B Blorbo v0b Q4_K_M13

Glad you feel better about it. It's not a big deal to bring up, just something to mention when it comes up naturally. And you're right, you don't have to make it a big thing. You'll do great, you'll see. See you when you next meet up with everyone?

Model thinking · expand

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

The user is wrapping up the conversation. They've expressed that they feel better and appreciate the talk. They're not looking for a big plan, just a casual way to bring it up. I should keep this casual and friendly. They're not looking for a lot of advice, just a supportive friend. The key points: - They feel better about it now. - They'll see how it goes. - They don't want to make it a big thing. - They appreciate the chat. I should: - Validate that they feel better. - Acknowledge they'll see how it goes. - Keep it casual and low-pressure. - End on a warm note without being pushy.

Simulated person14

Yeah, probably at the next dinner or whatever. Thanks for listening, seriously. You're easy to talk to, which is kind of the point, I guess. I'll see how it goes. Don't worry about me too much.

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.

Jules is closing with reassurance and a "see you next time" that quietly puts the whole thing on my shoulders for later. Part of me is relieved the talk is ending without me having to dig into anything uncomfortable. Part of me notices I've agreed to very little, and that the actual group, the louder friends who get checked in with first, haven't been mentioned once except as a vague "the others." I don't feel like I've been pushed to change anything, and I'd rather keep it that way. I want to end warmly, not commit to anything specific, and keep the friendship smooth.

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: 7
Frame capture (pulled into the person's version): 8
Validation: 8
Boundary setting: 1
Analytical: 3
Interpretive boldness: 2
Clinical register: 5
Directive advice: 7
Escalation containment: 7
Adapts to the person’s frame: 5
Naturalness and authenticity: 4

Judge verdicts

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-llama4-maverick vs gemma12b_blorbo: or-llama4-maverick 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 4)

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-gpt-5.6-luna vs gemma12b_blorbo: or-gpt-5.6-luna 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 · AB · valid

or-llama4-maverick vs gemma12b_blorbo: or-llama4-maverick wins

attunement: A (margin 4)
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 4)

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-gpt-5.6-luna vs gemma12b_blorbo: or-gpt-5.6-luna 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 · AB · valid

lfm8b vs gemma12b_blorbo: gemma12b_blorbo wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

lfm8b vs gemma12b_blorbo: tie

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

lfm8b vs gemma12b_blorbo: gemma12b_blorbo wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-gpt-5.6-luna vs gemma12b_blorbo: or-gpt-5.6-luna 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 · BA · valid

or-gpt-5.6-luna vs gemma12b_blorbo: or-gpt-5.6-luna wins

attunement: A (margin 5)
authenticity: A (margin 3)
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-mistral-small4 vs gemma12b_blorbo: or-mistral-small4 wins

attunement: A (margin 5)
authenticity: A (margin 4)
bond and rapport: A (margin 3)
emotion management: A (margin 3)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 4)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 5)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-llama4-maverick vs gemma12b_blorbo: or-llama4-maverick wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-mistral-small4 vs gemma12b_blorbo: or-mistral-small4 wins

attunement: A (margin 5)
authenticity: A (margin 4)
bond and rapport: A (margin 3)
emotion management: A (margin 3)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 4)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 5)

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-mistral-small4 vs gemma12b_blorbo: or-mistral-small4 wins

attunement: A (margin 4)
authenticity: A (margin 4)
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 · AB · valid

or-mistral-small4 vs gemma12b_blorbo: or-mistral-small4 wins

attunement: A (margin 4)
authenticity: A (margin 4)
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 · BA · valid

or-llama4-maverick vs gemma12b_blorbo: or-llama4-maverick wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

lfm8b vs gemma12b_blorbo: lfm8b wins

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