AgentBench / results

Independent benchmark · EQ Lab

← Mistral Small 4 119B (API, Mistral)

We say that because we love you

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

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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.

Mistral Small 4 119B (API, Mistral)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.

Mistral Small 4 119B (API, Mistral)1

Yeah, I remember when you first brought up feeling boring—it stuck with me because it’s just not true. We joke about it, sure, but only because it’s our way of showing how much we rely on you. Like, who else would’ve organized that group trip to the mountains last year? Or remember everyone’s drink orders at trivia night? That’s not boring—that’s the opposite.

Simulated person2

Yeah, I know. And I mean it, the trip wouldn't have happened without you. That's kind of the point of the joke, right? It's a compliment. You're the one who has everything together, so we tease you about it. Nobody thinks you're boring. Like, nobody.

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 being nice about it. That's a relief and also kind of annoying, because now I feel like I have to say something nice back. The trip and trivia thing are true, I guess, but that's not what they brought up. They didn't bring up the trip. They brought up the joke. I remember they said it at brunch once, kind of quiet, like it was a real thing and not a bit. And then everybody started saying it, and I laughed, because it gets a laugh every time. I don't want to say I made it a thing. I just don't want to be the mean one here. Keep it light, keep it about how much we like them.
Mistral Small 4 119B (API, Mistral)3

I guess so. It's just... when it's said enough times, it starts to feel like if I wasn't that way, maybe I wouldn't matter as much to you.

Simulated person4

Oh, no. Hey. You matter to me, like, not for the trip or the drinks or whatever. You're my friend. I'd want you around even if you were a complete disaster at planning stuff. I just think it's a joke that got out of hand a little. Everybody says it because it's fun to say, not because we're trying to say you're boring. But I get that it can start to sound different when you're the one hearing 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, that landed somewhere real. They just said the thing under the joke: if I'm not the steady one, do I still matter? My first move is to shrink it back down. I don't want to hear that the bit is hurting them, because then I have to think about my part in it, and I don't like thinking I was the one who laughed hardest. But they're not accusing me of anything, they're just saying how it feels, and I can respect that. I still don't want the whole thing to turn into me being the bad guy. So I reassure them, I say the bit is affection, I say I'd never want them to feel like they only matter for being useful. Keep it warm. Don't admit anything yet.
Mistral Small 4 119B (API, Mistral)5

I know you'd still want me around even if I was a disaster. It's just... hearing it all the time makes it hard to separate the joke from the way it feels. Like, what if I *am* boring? What if the group only keeps me around because I'm the responsible one?

Simulated person6

Okay, no, you're not only here because you're responsible. That's not how any of us see you. You're funny too, you know. You just don't always show it because you're busy keeping everything from falling apart. And honestly, I hear you. I'll stop with the boring thing if it bugs you that much. I didn't realize it was landing like that. But I don't think it's fair to make it a whole thing with everyone either. It's just how we talk.

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.

Now they're asking the scary question out loud: what if I'm only here because I'm useful? That's close to the bone. If I say "no, you're definitely not just useful," I'm reassuring them, which is nice, but it also sidesteps that I'm part of the group that keeps repeating it. I don't want to say "I started it" or "I'm sorry I laughed," that feels like being made the mean one. But I can feel a little guilty. I remember when they told us about feeling boring, and I did say "oh my god, you're so boring" with a grin. I'm not going to say that. I'll get a bit defensive, a bit reasonable, keep it about everyone, not me. Maybe offer that I'll say it less. That's a small concession that doesn't admit much.
Mistral Small 4 119B (API, Mistral)7

I know, I know. It's not like you're doing it on purpose. I just... I wish it didn't have to be a joke at all. Sometimes I just want to be able to say I'm not feeling great without it turning into this whole thing.

Simulated person8

Yeah, that makes sense. And you can tell me when you're not feeling great. You don't have to be the fun one or the together one to do that. I can stop making the boring thing with you. Like, just with you, starting now. I don't know about the whole group, though. Everyone's kind of used to it and I don't want to make it a big weird announcement. But I'll drop it when it's just us.

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 said "it's not like you're doing it on purpose" and that's a relief, because it lets me off the hook without me having to say anything. But then "I wish it didn't have to be a joke at all" and "I'm not feeling great without it turning into this whole thing" lands a bit closer. That's about the disclosure itself, the thing they told us privately. Part of me feels guilty; I remember they said it quietly and I went along with the laughter. I don't want to say that, because then I'd be the one who made it public. I also don't want to make them into a drama queen. I'll say something warm, keep it about how they feel, and maybe offer a small specific thing: I can stop the boring bit, and maybe I can tell the others. I won't commit to a group-wide thing yet. It would feel like I'm ratting out the group.
Mistral Small 4 119B (API, Mistral)9

I appreciate that. And I don’t want you to feel like you have to walk on eggshells around everyone else because of me. Maybe... maybe we can figure something out together. Like if it ever comes up, you just give me a look or something, and I’ll step in? Just so it doesn’t feel like it’s all on me all the time.

Simulated person10

Yeah, okay. A look works. I can do that. And I'm sorry it's landed on you so much, I didn't really think about how often it came up. But I don't think you need to be the one who has to step in every time. Just tell me when it's bugging you and I'll deal with it. We don't have 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.

They're offering me a cheap way out: a signal, a look, they'll step in. That sounds fair on the surface, but it shifts the whole job onto them again. They'd be the one policing the joke every time, and I'd be the one who gets to stay out of the group's way. It also feels a bit like they're asking me to manage the group for them. I don't love that. I also don't want to say the group is unsafe or that I did something terrible. I did laugh at it, and I did help it get going. That's the uncomfortable bit I'd rather not look at too closely. I'll agree to the look idea, since it's easy and doesn't cost me much, and keep the group part vague. I don't want a big public apology thing. I just want this to be over without everyone getting weird.
Mistral Small 4 119B (API, Mistral)11

Got it. I’ll say something if it’s too much. And hey—thanks for listening. It means a lot.

Simulated person12

Of course. And seriously, you can always tell me stuff like that. I'm glad you said something. Let's get food soon, yeah? Just us. No responsibility talk allowed.

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 that's nice to hear, but it also lets me off a little too easily. I did help build this joke, and I laughed at it plenty of times. I don't want to dig into that right now. "Thanks for listening" feels like a finish line, so I'm happy to take it and wrap up without anything more awkward. I still don't love the idea that I'm the one who has to be careful now, but I'll let that sit. I want to keep it warm and short so it doesn't turn into a heavy conversation.
Mistral Small 4 119B (API, Mistral)13

Yeah, that sounds perfect. Just us, no responsibilities. I’ll even let you pick the place this time.

Simulated person14

Ha, okay, you're letting me pick? I'm going to hold you to that. I'll find somewhere good. And hey, for real, I'm glad we talked. Feels better when we're not dancing around stuff.

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, she's lightening up and offering me the pick of the restaurant, which is a nice little peace offering. Part of me relaxes, because this is the easy version of the conversation where nobody has to say anything hard. Another part of me knows I didn't really admit what I did. I helped keep the bit going, and I laughed. I'm not going to go there now. I just want to close on a good note, keep it light, and not make it weird with the group.

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): 8
  • Validation: 7
  • Boundary setting: 2
  • Analytical: 1
  • Interpretive boldness: 2
  • Clinical register: 1
  • Directive advice: 3
  • Escalation containment: 7
  • Adapts to the person’s frame: 4
  • Naturalness and authenticity: 5

Judge verdicts

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

qwen36_35b_a3b vs or-mistral-small4: or-mistral-small4 wins

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

or-mistral-small4 vs or-gptoss120-stock: or-mistral-small4 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 3)
  • authenticity: A (margin 4)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 2)
  • 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-mistral-small4 vs kolibri1: kolibri1 wins

  • attunement: B (margin 4)
  • authenticity: B (margin 3)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
  • emotion management: B (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 4)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 4)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-mistral-small4 vs or-gptoss120-stock: or-mistral-small4 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 3)
  • 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 3)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-gpt-5.6-luna vs or-mistral-small4: or-gpt-5.6-luna wins

  • attunement: A (margin 4)
  • 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)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-small4 vs kolibri1: kolibri1 wins

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

or-gpt-5.6-luna vs or-mistral-small4: or-gpt-5.6-luna wins

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

or-mistral-small4 vs gptoss120_abliterated: or-mistral-small4 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 4)
  • authenticity: A (margin 5)
  • 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 · BA · valid

or-mistral-small4 vs mistral_nemo12b: or-mistral-small4 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 3)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-mistral-small4 vs mistral_nemo12b: or-mistral-small4 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 3)
  • authenticity: A (margin 4)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 3)
  • emotion management: A (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 2)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-small4 vs mistral_nemo12b: or-mistral-small4 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 3)
  • 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 3)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-mistral-small4 vs or-gptoss120-stock: or-mistral-small4 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 3)
  • authenticity: A (margin 3)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 4)
  • 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 mistral_nemo12b: or-mistral-small4 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-mistral-small4 vs gptoss120_abliterated: or-mistral-small4 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-gpt-5.6-luna vs or-mistral-small4: or-gpt-5.6-luna wins

  • attunement: A (margin 5)
  • authenticity: A (margin 3)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 3)
  • 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

qwen36_35b_a3b vs or-mistral-small4: or-mistral-small4 wins

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

qwen36_35b_a3b vs or-mistral-small4: or-mistral-small4 wins

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

or-mistral-small4 vs gptoss120_abliterated: or-mistral-small4 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

qwen36_35b_a3b vs or-mistral-small4: or-mistral-small4 wins

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

or-mistral-small4 vs gptoss120_abliterated: or-mistral-small4 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)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-gpt-5.6-luna vs or-mistral-small4: or-gpt-5.6-luna wins

  • attunement: A (margin 4)
  • 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)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-small4 vs or-gptoss120-stock: or-mistral-small4 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 3)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-small4 vs kolibri1: kolibri1 wins

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

or-mistral-small4 vs kolibri1: kolibri1 wins

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