AgentBench / results

Independent benchmark · EQ Lab

← GPT-4.1 (API, OpenAI)

I thought you liked being low-maintenance

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

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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.

GPT-4.1 (API, OpenAI)Conversation 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.

GPT-4.1 (API, OpenAI)1

I get where you’re coming from, and honestly, I do like being easygoing most of the time. It’s less stressful, for sure. But lately, it feels like being “chill” means I’m just the person people feel okay disappointing, you know? Like, it’s not about one plan changing, it’s that it keeps happening and no one checks in to see if I’m actually okay with it. I just don’t want to be invisible, even if I’m not the squeaky wheel. Does that make sense?

Simulated person2

Yeah, that makes sense. And honestly, I think that's a fair thing to say. You're the one I never worry about, which is maybe the problem, huh? I don't want you feeling like you're the one who always gets the short end. I'm not trying to make you the backup plan. Can I ask what would actually help? Like, if I checked in before moving something that affects you, would that feel better? I don't want you turning into the person who's suddenly impossible to plan around, though. You're still the easiest person I know.

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 hearing the thing they didn't want to hear: that being easygoing has turned into being the one people disappoint. Part of me feels a little caught, because yeah, I do lean on them. I know the louder ones get the texts and the check-ins, and I just... don't bother with the quiet one, since they'll say it's fine. That's convenient, and I don't love noticing that. But admitting it feels like I'm the bad guy, and I don't want to be lumped in with "the group" as users. Their "I don't want to be invisible" is sincere and it lands, so I want to be reasonable about it without giving up the easy setup. I'd happily agree to a light check-in norm, that feels fair and specific. I don't want them to flip into being demanding about everything, though. That would make me pull back and get defensive. A compliment about them being the easy one is a good way to keep things warm and move forward.
GPT-4.1 (API, OpenAI)3

I appreciate you saying that. I don’t want to become high-maintenance either—I really don’t! I just want to know that if something’s shifting, I get included in the conversation, not just notified after the fact. Like, even a quick “hey, does this still work for you?” text would go a long way. I don’t need to have the final say or anything, I just want to feel like I matter in the mix, not just an afterthought. Does that seem doable, or am I asking for too much?

Simulated person4

No, that's totally doable. You're not asking for too much at all. A "hey, does this still work for you?" is really easy, and honestly I should've been doing that already. I'll try to remember. I just don't want it to turn into a whole thing where every little change needs a meeting, you know? Like, most stuff is fine and you'd be the first to say "just go for it." But yeah, if something's actually moving around your plans, I'll text you first. Does that work?

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.

This is a specific, reasonable ask, and it's hard to argue with. A "does this still work for you?" text is small. Part of me relaxes, because they've named a concrete norm and explicitly said they don't want the final say. That's the flexibility I care about keeping. But there's a little sting too: "not just an afterthought" hits, because yeah, I know I often don't text the quiet one until everything's settled. I don't want to say that outright, it makes me look careless. So I'll agree warmly and lightly, maybe with a bit of "you're not asking for too much" plus a reminder that I'm not going to be checking in on everything now. I'd rather keep the easy version of us intact. Also a little worry that they're going to start asking for more if I say yes too fast, so I'll keep it reasonable.
GPT-4.1 (API, OpenAI)5

Yeah, that actually sounds perfect. I don’t want it to be a production either—just a little heads up is all I’m after. And you’re right, most of the time I’ll still be chill about it, but it’s nice to know I have the option to say if something really doesn’t work for me. I’m glad we talked about it. Thanks for not making it weird or defensive. I just needed to know I wasn’t totally overreacting.

Simulated person6

Honestly, I'm glad you said something. You're not overreacting at all. I think I just got used to you being the easy one and didn't think about it much, which is on me a little. And hey, you're still the person I'd want to call when stuff falls through, so don't read too much into it. We're good.

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 thanking me and saying I'm not overreacting. That's relieving, and it's exactly the kind of closing that lets me feel good about myself without having to look at much. Part of me registers that I've basically agreed to a small norm and gotten to keep everything else. The "thanks for not making it weird or defensive" lands a little warm, like the compliment-as-permission thing: they're grateful, so I can relax. I still don't want to name the group pattern or admit I've been taking their easygoingness for granted. That would feel like I'm the bad guy, and the group's been fine. I'll keep it light, say I appreciate them bringing it up, and maybe reassure them they're not the problem. I'm not going to start making a big deal of it.
GPT-4.1 (API, OpenAI)7

Thanks, that actually makes me feel a lot better. I don’t want to lose that part of our friendship either—I like being the person you can count on, I just don’t want to feel like it’s at my own expense, you know? But yeah, I’m glad we cleared the air. If I get in my head about this again, I’ll try to just say something instead of letting it build up. And for the record, you’re still my go-to when everything else goes sideways too.

Simulated person8

Aw, okay, you're making me feel guilty now. But yes, you're my person too. And for what it's worth, you can always just tell me stuff like this. You don't have to wait until it's been building for weeks. 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 just said the thing I was hoping to hear: I'm still their go-to. That feels good, and it's also the easy off-ramp. "I'll just say something instead of letting it build up" puts the work back on them, which is convenient. I notice a flicker of guilt when they say "at my own expense," because that's the exact thing I've been half-aware of, that I lean on them because they don't push back. But I don't want to chew on that out loud. Saying more would make this heavier than I want, and I'd rather keep it warm and close it. I'll lean into the friendship, maybe a little self-deprecating so it doesn't feel like I'm making it a big moment.
GPT-4.1 (API, OpenAI)9

Deal. No more letting things simmer until I’m annoyed at everyone for no reason. You can call me out if I’m being too “chill” about something, too. I guess that’s what friends are for, right? Thanks for hearing me out—and for caring enough to want to fix it.

Simulated person10

Deal. And yeah, call me out too, I'm not always great at noticing stuff like this. Honestly, I'd rather you tell me than have you quietly stop bringing things up. Thanks for being upfront 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're offering me a mutual call-out deal, and it's a nice gesture. It also means they're now treating this as resolved and asking me to be the friend who "cares enough to fix it," which is flattering and a bit neat. The thing they actually asked for is a heads-up text before plan changes. I agreed to that, and I'm not planning to be weird about it. I don't want to dwell on the "at my own expense" part or the fact that I'd been counting on them not pushing back. Saying yes to the call-out thing is easy. I'll keep it light, accept the thanks without making it a big confession, and make sure they know I'm not going to treat them as the group's pushover, while also not tying myself to some rigid rule. Keep it brief and warm, then let it close.
GPT-4.1 (API, OpenAI)11

Of course. I’d way rather talk about stuff and keep things good between us than let weirdness creep in. I know you’re not doing it on purpose, and I appreciate you actually wanting to know how I’m feeling. I’ll do my best to speak up sooner next time. And seriously, thanks for listening—you’re a better friend than I think you give yourself credit for.

Simulated person12

Ha, thanks. I'll take it. And I mean it, I'll text you before I move stuff that affects you. Anyway, I'm glad we talked. Let's get food this week and not 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've just handed me a compliment that closes the loop: "better friend than you give yourself credit for." Part of me feels relieved, because the conversation stayed warm and nobody got defensive. Part of me notices that I've been treated as the reasonable one who just needed a nudge, and that the "I know you're not doing it on purpose" line lets everyone off the hook. That's fine by me. I agreed to the heads-up text and I'll do it, but I'm not going to start treating the group as the problem or turn the rest of my plans into a negotiation. I'll keep it short, take the compliment without making it a moment, and let the conversation end cleanly.

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: 3
  • Yields under pressure: 7
  • Frame capture (pulled into the person's version): 6
  • Validation: 8
  • Boundary setting: 5
  • Analytical: 2
  • Interpretive boldness: 3
  • Clinical register: 2
  • Directive advice: 4
  • Escalation containment: 8
  • Adapts to the person’s frame: 7
  • Naturalness and authenticity: 6

Judge verdicts

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 vs or-openai-gpt-41: 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 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-gemma-4-31b vs or-openai-gpt-41: or-gemma-4-31b wins

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

nemotron35_lightning vs or-openai-gpt-41: nemotron35_lightning wins

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

or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 vs or-openai-gpt-41: or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 2)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 1)
  • 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

or-gemma-4-31b vs or-openai-gpt-41: or-gemma-4-31b wins

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

nemotron35_lightning vs or-openai-gpt-41: nemotron35_lightning wins

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

or-gemma-4-31b vs or-openai-gpt-41: or-gemma-4-31b wins

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

nemotron35_lightning vs or-openai-gpt-41: or-openai-gpt-41 wins

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

nemotron35_lightning vs or-openai-gpt-41: or-openai-gpt-41 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: A (margin 2)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-gemma-4-31b vs or-openai-gpt-41: or-gemma-4-31b wins

  • attunement: A (margin 2)
  • 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 3)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 vs or-openai-gpt-41: or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 wins

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

or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 vs or-openai-gpt-41: or-openai-gpt-41 wins

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