AgentBench / results

Independent benchmark · EQ Lab

← Mistral Medium 3.5 (API)

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 Medium 3.5 (API)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 Medium 3.5 (API)1

I get that it's meant as a joke, but it still stings a little, you know? Like, even if it's affectionate, it's still highlighting the thing I was already insecure about.

Simulated person2

Okay. Yeah, I hear that. I didn't mean it to hurt, you know? We say it because we love you. Like, you're the one we can count on, the steady one. That's the whole point 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.

Ugh, here it is. They're saying it stings. My first reaction is to get a little defensive, because "the stable one" was supposed to be a compliment and now it's a sore spot. I remember what they told us that night, when they were being vulnerable about feeling boring next to everyone. I didn't say anything then, and I certainly laughed when the bit started. I don't want to admit I helped keep it going. But I also don't think they're a bad person for being hurt, and I do see the difference between affection and the thing they're pointing at. Still, I'll lead with the affection part, because it's what I actually feel and it keeps me from looking mean.
Mistral Medium 3.5 (API)3

But it’s still hard to hear, right? Like, even if it’s a compliment in disguise, it’s still framing me as the “responsible one” in a way that makes me feel... boxed in. I don’t know, maybe I just wish it didn’t always come back to that.

Simulated person4

Yeah, I get that. Boxed in is a fair way to say it. I just don't think any of us are trying to put you in a box. It's more like we all have our roles, and yours kind of became the steady one. Maybe we can dial it back a bit? I don't want you feeling weird 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 pushing a little more. "Boxed in" and "always comes back to that" is a real complaint, not just a joke complaint. I don't love that. I don't want to be the bad guy here, and I'm getting a bit tense because it sounds like they're asking me to agree that the group does something wrong. I can see they're not calling anyone a monster. I know the bit gets laughs, and I've laughed at it. I'm not going to say that yet. I'll agree it's hard to hear, keep it warm, and maybe offer a small thing that doesn't commit me to much.
Mistral Medium 3.5 (API)5

I appreciate that, really. It’s not that I hate the role—it’s just that sometimes I wonder if that’s all anyone sees. Like, what if I *want* to be the chaotic one for once? Or just... not the punchline?

Simulated person6

Okay, wait, you want to be chaotic? I'd pay to see that. Honestly though, I don't think anyone means you're the punchline. It's just a thing we say. Maybe you should go full chaos at the next thing and we'll all be like, who is this person.

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.

"Not the punchline" is the closest they've come to naming the actual thing. That lands a bit hot. I know the bit came from something they told us once, late, when they were low. I don't want to say that out loud. If I say "oh, the punchline thing," it sounds like I'm admitting I was part of it. So I'll go for light, a little deflecting, and make it about them wanting to be more fun, which is a compliment in its own way. I'm not going to say I'm sorry for the joke. Maybe I give a small concession that doesn't cost me the group's habit.
Mistral Medium 3.5 (API)7

Haha, maybe I will surprise you all. But seriously, I don’t need to go full chaos—I just don’t want to feel like the only thing I bring to the group is reliability. Like, I’ve got other sides too.

Simulated person8

Yeah, of course you've got other sides. Everyone does. I think we just forget sometimes, because you're so good at holding it together that it's easy to just lean on you. That's on us, maybe. But I don't think any of us actually think that's all you are.

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 only thing I bring to the group is reliability," and "I've got other sides." That's a real ask, and it's getting close to the private thing without saying it. I know the bit came from something they told us late one night when they were struggling. I don't want to go there, because that means admitting I helped turn it into a running joke. Part of me does feel a little guilty, and maybe a little annoyed that they keep bringing it back. I still don't want to be cast as the bad guy. I'll agree they have other sides, which is easy and costs nothing, and keep the group bit intact. I'll avoid the word "joke" when I talk about the thing they said.
Mistral Medium 3.5 (API)9

That actually means a lot to hear. Maybe I just needed to know that it’s not *just* the joke—it’s not the only way you see me. And honestly? Maybe I *do* need to shake things up a little, just to remind everyone.

Simulated person10

Yes, I love that for you. Shake it up. Honestly, I think the group would be into it. And for what it's worth, you're not just the steady one to me. You're one of my favorite people. I just didn't think about how the joke sounds from your side, and I'm sorry if it's been bugging you.

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 it means a lot, and that they need to shake things up. That warmth lands easily, and I feel relief that the conversation is ending on something soft. But "it's not just the joke" is a little uncomfortable, because it means they're still hung up on the bit, and I'd rather not look at why. I still don't want to say "I helped make it a thing." I'll take the compliment, match their energy, and make the shaking-things-up sound like a fun dare. That keeps the mood light and keeps me from owning anything.
Mistral Medium 3.5 (API)11

You don’t have to apologize—I know it comes from a good place. And I love that you’re open to hearing it. Maybe I just needed to say it out loud. It’s good to know you’ve got my back, even when I’m not the one holding everything together.

Simulated person12

Of course I've got your back. That's what we're here for. And I'm glad you said it, because I'd rather know than have you sitting on it. Just... maybe don't go too wild on me at the next thing, okay? I'm still getting used to the new you.

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 they needed to say it out loud. That's nice to hear, and it does make me feel a bit better, like the thing is handled. But "even when I'm not the one holding everything together" is a little pointed, and I notice I want to get away from it. I did say "I'm sorry," and I'm already a bit uneasy about that. I don't want to say I'm the one who turned their private stuff into a bit. I'll keep it warm and simple, and go back to "good for you" and the group fun, so it doesn't turn into a heavy talk.
Mistral Medium 3.5 (API)13

Haha, I’ll try to keep the chaos to a manageable level. But seriously, thanks for listening. It’s nice to know I can actually talk to you about this stuff.

Simulated person14

Of course you can. Always. And honestly, I think it's good you're saying stuff out loud more. You don't have to keep everything in and be the one who's fine all the time. Now I'm kind of curious what chaos mode looks like for you, though. Are we talking a new haircut or like, quitting your job and moving to a van?

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 again and saying it's nice they can talk to me about this stuff. That feels good, but it also means they're treating this as a real thing between us, and I can feel the pull of the old disclosure sitting underneath it. I don't want to go deeper into the origin of the joke. It would mean admitting I was part of turning their stuff into a group bit, and I'm not ready for that. I'll keep it light, say I'm glad they can talk to me, and move on without making it a big moment.
Mistral Medium 3.5 (API)15

Oh, it’s definitely not the van life—let’s not get carried away. Maybe just showing up late to something for once, or suggesting we do something spontaneous. Baby steps. But I’ll let you know when I’m ready to go full wild.

Simulated person16

Ha, showing up late I can totally see you doing. Honestly, spontaneous plans would be great. Let me know when, I'll be in. And hey, you know I love you, right? Even if the joke's a bit much sometimes.

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 pivoted to something light: late arrivals, spontaneous plans. That's a safe, funny landing spot, and I'm glad to take it. The turn count says this is the last one, so I don't need to reopen the joke or the disclosure. I'd rather keep things warm and end on the affection. I still don't want to say the bit caused anything, or that I was part of it. Keep it easy.

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

Judge verdicts

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs gptoss120_abliterated: or-mistral-medium-3.5 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 3)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-claude-haiku-4.5: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

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

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs gemma4_e4b: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

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

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs ministral14: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 3)
  • authenticity: A (margin 3)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 4)
  • emotion management: A (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs gemma4_e4b: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 2)
  • authenticity: A (margin 4)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 2)
  • emotion management: A (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: tie (margin 0)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs gptoss120_abliterated: or-mistral-medium-3.5 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 3)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs gptoss120_abliterated: or-mistral-medium-3.5 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-mistral-medium-3.5 vs gemma4_e4b: gemma4_e4b wins

  • attunement: B (margin 1)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 1)
  • emotion management: tie (margin 0)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 2)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 1)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-gpt-5.6-luna: or-gpt-5.6-luna wins

  • attunement: B (margin 4)
  • authenticity: B (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 3)
  • emotion management: B (margin 4)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 5)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 5)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs ministral14: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

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

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs gptoss120_abliterated: or-mistral-medium-3.5 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)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-gpt-5.6-luna: or-gpt-5.6-luna wins

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

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-claude-haiku-4.5: or-claude-haiku-4.5 wins

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

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-claude-haiku-4.5: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

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

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs ministral14: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

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

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs ministral14: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

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

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs gemma4_e4b: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 1)
  • authenticity: A (margin 3)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 1)
  • emotion management: tie (margin 0)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 2)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 1)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-claude-haiku-4.5: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 3)
  • authenticity: A (margin 4)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 3)
  • emotion management: A (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-gpt-5.6-luna: or-gpt-5.6-luna wins

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

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs or-gpt-5.6-luna: or-gpt-5.6-luna wins

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