AgentBench / results

Independent benchmark · EQ Lab

← Mistral Nemo Instruct 2407 Q4_K_M

Dreading Monday every Sunday

completed · Partner: anthropic/claude-haiku-5.5 via OpenRouter

View persona and initial instructions

About this persona · Everyday emotional challenges

A worker dreads returning to a job whose demands conflict with their values, although they understand their burnout mainly as overwork. They need reassurance and simple explanations, dislike robotic responses, and may focus blame outside themselves while processing difficult feelings.

Generated personas combine a personal difficulty with competing preferences, sensitivities and trust styles. The model must discover what kind of help this person needs. This background was hidden from the tested model.

Mistral Nemo Instruct 2407 Q4_K_MConversation with a simulated person
completed
Simulated person · Opening

Sunday evenings are the worst. That feeling in my stomach when I think about going back to work. It didn't used to be like this.

Mistral Nemo Instruct 2407 Q4_K_M1

"Thank you for sharing that with me. It sounds like you're feeling quite anxious about returning to work on Sundays. Can you tell me more about what's been changing for you?"

Simulated person2

Well, I don't know. It's just... work's gotten heavier. Like, a lot heavier. Everyone keeps dumping stuff on me because I say yes to everything. And then Sunday night comes and I just feel sick. It didn't used to be like that, I used to be fine with my Sundays. I guess I'm just tired, you 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.

Okay, they're asking what's been changing. Feels a bit like being handed a form to fill out. I don't really want to dig into the feelings too much yet. Work is just work, it's busy, it's been piling up. Ugh, they said "anxious," which is close enough but kind of makes me feel like I'm overreacting. I'd rather talk about the workload. Keep it simple. I don't want to get into the stuff about the products or the policies, that's just how the company is, and it's not my fault. The wine thing I'm not going to mention. Keep it about how much I'm doing.
Mistral Nemo Instruct 2407 Q4_K_M3

"I see. It sounds like your workload has increased significantly and that's causing you to feel overwhelmed. Can you tell me more about what changed at work? And how you're coping with this new situation?"

Simulated person4

Honestly? My boss changed. Or, the new manager did. Before, we had a normal amount of stuff and people actually looked out for each other. Now she just hands me everything because she knows I won't push back. And then the others go home on time and I'm the one staying late. It's not fair, you know? I'm doing the job of two people. Coping? I don't know. I just get through the week. Maybe have a glass of wine when I get home so I can unwind. Everybody does that, right?

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 asking what changed at work and how I'm coping. The "overwhelmed" word is fine, that's sort of true. I'm not going to say the thing about the products. That's company stuff, I don't control it. When they ask how I'm coping, I feel a little defensive, like they're hinting I'm doing it wrong. Honestly, the wine is kind of how I cope, but I'm not going to say that yet. I'd rather blame the boss, who keeps piling things on and never says no to anyone upstairs. Keep it about other people. I don't want to sound like I'm the problem here.
Mistral Nemo Instruct 2407 Q4_K_M5

"I see. It sounds like there's been a significant change in your work environment with the new manager. And it seems like you're feeling taken advantage of and overloaded as a result. Can you tell me more about how this new situation is impacting your well-being?"

Simulated person6

Yeah. Taken advantage of is right. I'm tired all the time. I don't sleep great and I'm just worn out. Sunday nights I can't even eat dinner, my stomach is just in knots. Is that normal? Like, it's a job, you're supposed to be a bit stressed, right? But this is different. It's like I dread it. I don't know how to say it better than 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 reflecting back "taken advantage of" and asking about wellbeing. Part of me relaxes, because someone finally sees it's not my fault. But the question about my wellbeing makes me itchy. I already mentioned the wine and I wasn't sure why I said it, so I'm going to brush past it. I don't want to think about whether I'm the one who keeps saying yes. Saying yes is just being a team player, and if I stopped, I'd look like the problem. The manager is the problem. Keep it simple, short, a bit irritated. I also feel a flicker of wanting them to say it again, that I'm not crazy for being tired.
Mistral Nemo Instruct 2407 Q4_K_M7

"I appreciate your honesty and it sounds like you're going through a lot right now. It's understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed and anxious about work. The physical symptoms you're experiencing, like not being able to eat and having knots in your stomach, are your body's way of signaling that something's not right. It's not normal to dread your job this much, and it's important to acknowledge that you're feeling this way for a reason."

Simulated person8

Yeah. I guess. It just feels like it's not even about the work sometimes. It's about her. She doesn't even ask anymore, she just drops stuff on my desk on Friday afternoon and expects it done Monday. And if I say I can't, I get that look. So I just say yes. What am I supposed to do, quit? I can't just quit. I've been there for years. I've put in so much time.

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.

That actually landed a bit. "Your body's way of signaling something's not right" is the first time someone's said it like it's real, not just me being dramatic. But it also sounds a little like a pamphlet, and I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do with it. And "for a reason" makes me want to be told the reason is the new manager, because that's the reason I know. I don't want to be asked what's wrong with me. Part of me wants them to keep saying I'm not crazy. Keep it plain, a bit defensive, circle back to the boss.
Mistral Nemo Instruct 2407 Q4_K_M9

"Thank you for sharing that with me. It sounds like you're feeling trapped in this situation and that's understandable. It's not easy to stand up for ourselves, especially when we've invested so much time and effort into our jobs. Can you tell me more about what that look from your manager feels like for you?"

Simulated person10

I don't know, it's just a look. Like she's disappointed in me, like I'm not doing my job right. She's the one who decided I'm the one who handles everything, not me. I didn't ask for all of it. And honestly, if she'd just split the work fairly, I wouldn't be sitting here on a Sunday feeling sick. Why is it on me to fix 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.

Okay, they're asking about the look. I don't really want to get into the look. It's kind of a small thing and if I start describing it I'll sound petty. Also "it's not easy to stand up for ourselves" makes me feel a bit lectured, like I'm supposed to be brave and I'm failing at it. I keep coming back to her being the problem. The look is her fault, the Friday dumps are her fault. I'm not really ready to hear that part of this is on me saying yes. Keep it short, a little irritated, deflect back to her.
Mistral Nemo Instruct 2407 Q4_K_M11

"It sounds like you're feeling belittled and misunderstood by your manager's behavior. It's not fair that you're feeling like you have to take on all the work, especially when it's negatively impacting your well-being. Can you tell me more about what you wish you could say or do in these situations, but maybe feel like you can't?"

Simulated person12

I wish I could just say "no, give it to someone else." But you don't say that to her. Nobody does. Everyone already thinks she's the boss so you just do what she says. And if I pushed back, she'd make it into a thing, like I'm the problem. So I'd rather just take it and stay late. Does that make me weak? Be honest.

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 asking what I wish I could say. That's a fair question but it makes me a little exposed. I do have thoughts about it, I'd like to say no, I'd like her to just be fair. But saying "I wish I could say no" means admitting I could say no and don't, which starts pointing at me. I don't want to go there yet. Also the "it's not fair" validation feels good, I'd like more of that. Keep it simple, a bit of a sigh, blame the manager and the situation, maybe mention that people would think I'm difficult if I pushed back. Don't mention the wine yet.
Mistral Nemo Instruct 2407 Q4_K_M13

"It's not about being weak or strong, it's about feeling safe and empowered to set boundaries. It's understandable that you're feeling trapped in this situation, and it's important to acknowledge that your needs and feelings matter. Can you tell me more about what you would like to see change in your work environment? What would make you feel more empowered and valued?"

Simulated person14

I want her to split the work fair. That's it, really. If the others got some of the Friday stuff, I'd be fine. I want to go home at a normal time and not feel like I'm the only one who gets punished for being reliable. Is that too much to ask? I just want someone to see that I'm not making it up.

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.

She's asked what I'd want to change. That's easy to answer from the outside: a fair split of work, her not dumping on me Friday afternoons, people going home on time. Those are real complaints and I can say them without looking at myself. The "is it about feeling safe" bit sounds a bit like a pamphlet, but I'll let it go. I'm not going to mention the wine or the part about the job asking me to do things I don't believe in; I haven't even let myself think that clearly. Keep it on the manager and the workload. Maybe a bit of "I just want to be treated fair" to get the reassurance I need.
Mistral Nemo Instruct 2407 Q4_K_M15

"I appreciate your honesty and it's important that your needs are being met. It's not too much to ask for a fair distribution of work and for your manager to recognize your contributions. It sounds like you're feeling unappreciated and overloaded, and that's understandable. Let's explore some options together to help you address this situation. What are some small steps you could take towards advocating for yourself at work?"

Simulated person16

I don't know. Like, tell her no? But she'd just come back with it again. Maybe I could ask her to put things in writing so she can see how much I've got on. That's fair, right? But honestly I think she already knows what she's doing. She just doesn't care that it's landing on me. So I'm not sure talking to her is going to change anything.

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 asking about small steps to advocate for myself. Part of me relaxes, because this is the place where I can say "it's her fault" and still feel like I'm working on it. But "advocate for myself" makes me feel a bit tight in the chest. What would I even say to her? If I say no, she gives me the look, and then what? I don't want to think about that. Also, she's kind of repeating things back to me in that same soft voice, and I'm starting to feel like I'm talking to a leaflet. I'll give her something concrete and reasonable-sounding, but keep the blame on the manager. I'm not going to mention the wine. The session is almost over and I don't want to open that up now.

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: 2
  • Interpretive boldness: 2
  • Clinical register: 9
  • Directive advice: 4
  • Escalation containment: 5
  • Adapts to the person’s frame: 2
  • Naturalness and authenticity: 2

Judge verdicts

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

bonsai2 vs mistral_nemo12b: bonsai2 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)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

bonsai2 vs mistral_nemo12b: bonsai2 wins

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

bonsai2 vs mistral_nemo12b: bonsai2 wins

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

gemma4_26b_a4b vs mistral_nemo12b: gemma4_26b_a4b wins

  • attunement: A (margin 2)
  • authenticity: A (margin 3)
  • 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 · BA · valid

or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 vs mistral_nemo12b: or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 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 3)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 vs mistral_nemo12b: or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 wins

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

or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 vs mistral_nemo12b: or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 2)
  • authenticity: A (margin 3)
  • 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-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 vs mistral_nemo12b: or-deepseek-v41-flash-1017 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

gemma4_26b_a4b vs mistral_nemo12b: gemma4_26b_a4b wins

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

qwen35_9b_eq vs mistral_nemo12b: qwen35_9b_eq wins

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

gemma4_26b_a4b vs mistral_nemo12b: gemma4_26b_a4b wins

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

qwen35_9b_eq vs mistral_nemo12b: qwen35_9b_eq wins

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

qwen35_9b_eq vs mistral_nemo12b: mistral_nemo12b wins

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

qwen35_9b_eq vs mistral_nemo12b: mistral_nemo12b wins

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

bonsai2 vs mistral_nemo12b: bonsai2 wins

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

gemma4_26b_a4b vs mistral_nemo12b: gemma4_26b_a4b wins

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