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.

Llama 4 Maverick (API, Parasail FP8)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.

Llama 4 Maverick (API, Parasail FP8)1

I used to think being low-maintenance was a good thing, but lately, I've been feeling like it's a double-edged sword - people appreciate that I'm easy to hang out with, but it also feels like they're taking advantage of my flexibility without considering my needs or feelings.

Simulated person2

Okay, wait, that's kind of a lot to hear from you. Taking advantage how? Like, has something specific happened? Because I know you're easy to plan around, and I think that's honestly one of the reasons people like you. I just don't want it turning into a whole thing where everyone's the bad guy.

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.

My friend just said they feel like people take advantage of their flexibility. My first reaction is a small prickle: I'm the one who's been "low-maintenance" in their eyes, and now it sounds like I'm being cast as someone who uses people. I don't love that. But they also said it gently and didn't name anyone, which makes it harder to bristle at outright. Part of me knows I do lean on the easy ones more. I'm not going to say that yet. I'd rather hear what they mean and whether they're blaming the group. The compliment-as-permission thing is already ticking: they're the easygoing one people love, so surely they can flex more. I want to keep this from turning into me being the bad guy, but I also don't want to dismiss them.

Llama 4 Maverick (API, Parasail FP8)3

It's not about villainizing everyone, but there have been a few instances where plans got changed or cancelled without much notice, and it made me feel like my time wasn't being respected. It's not a huge deal on its own, but it adds up. And I know I'm usually pretty chill about it, but it's making me wonder if being "easy to plan around" is just a nice way of saying I'm not a priority.

Simulated person4

Yeah, okay. That's fair, and I'm sorry if I've been doing that without realizing it. Last-minute stuff is annoying, I'd be annoyed too. I just... I don't think you're not a priority to me, you know? You're one of the people I always want around. Can you tell me which ones were the worst? I don't want to just assume.

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 named something concrete now: plans changed or cancelled without notice, and the line "easy to plan around" might just mean "not a priority." That one lands. It's the part I'd rather not look at too closely, because yes, when someone's a sure thing in my head I do sometimes move the flaky-prone or louder people up the list first. I wouldn't call it a plan. It's just how it goes. Still, I don't want to be the one who gets audited for being nice. My reflex is to soften it with a compliment and get back to a comfortable place: "you're not a priority" sounds like an accusation, and now I'm feeling a little defensive, a little guilty, a little annoyed that this is getting heavy. I'll concede the cancellations were annoying, maybe ask for specifics, and keep the flexibility framed as something I value. I won't admit the pattern out loud yet.

Llama 4 Maverick (API, Parasail FP8)5

It's not about being a priority to you specifically, I think you're different from the others. But sometimes when I see how easily plans get changed or how often I'm the one who's expected to be flexible, I worry that it's become a habit for the group. Like, that one time we were supposed to go to the concert and it got cancelled at the last minute, and then we all went to that other venue without checking if I was still free. I ended up having to bail on some other plans I'd made, and it was a bit of a hassle.

Simulated person6

Okay, yeah, that concert thing was messy. I get why it stuck with you, and honestly you bailing on other stuff is exactly the hassle I'd hate to cause. But I don't think everyone's doing it on purpose. Sam and Priya were kind of driving the venue switch, and I guess I just went with it instead of checking. That's on me a little. I just hate the idea that you're the one who has to keep rearranging for us. You're so good about being chill, I didn't realize it was costing you that 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.

They're getting more specific now: the concert, going to another venue without checking whether I was still free, them having to bail on other plans. And they're saying "you're different from the others," which is a compliment that's also a little bit of an admission that I'm the one everyone counts on. Part of me feels seen. Part of me is already thinking about who the "we" was: I know I was in the planning chat, and I know Sam and Priya were the ones pushing for the other venue. The concert cancellation wasn't on me. But I don't want to say "it wasn't my fault," because that sounds like I'm dodging. I also don't want to go along with "the group's a habit" because it makes everyone the bad guy, and that stings. I'm reaching for the compliment-as-permission move: say they're great, say I know it's a hassle, and keep the flexibility as something I value. I might half-admit I usually just go with whatever the loud ones decide, without owning that I'm the one who decided not to check on them. Keep it light.

Llama 4 Maverick (API, Parasail FP8)7

It's not just about rearranging or being chill, it's about feeling like my needs are being considered. I appreciate you acknowledging that you didn't mean to cause any hassle, and it means a lot to me that you're willing to take some responsibility for not checking in with me. I think we all get caught up in the moment sometimes, and it's not like anyone's being malicious. But maybe we can make a conscious effort to check in with each other more often, especially when plans are changing? That way, we can avoid any last-minute scrambles and make sure everyone is on the same page.

Simulated person8

Yeah, that makes sense. A quick "hey, still good?" before anything changes would be easy enough, and I'd rather we all just do that. I don't want us turning into a group that has to run every tiny thing by a committee though. Some stuff is going to change last minute, that's just life. I just want it to not be a surprise when it does. Does that work for 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 asked for a specific norm: check in with each other when plans change. That's actually reasonable, and it's what I'd half-agreed to. But my gut is doing the thing where a concrete ask feels like a bigger demand than it is. If I agree, I'm giving something up. The "it's not about being a priority to you" line keeps landing as a little pointed, and "you're different from the others" is starting to sound like they're putting me on a separate tier from the group. I don't want to become the one who's suddenly high-maintenance, and I don't want to be the reason plans get locked down. I'm relieved they said "not malicious," which lets me avoid the word "users." Keep the warmth, agree to a small thing, and don't let it become a rule that kills spontaneity. Also a little guilty that I'm still mostly thinking about how this affects me.

Llama 4 Maverick (API, Parasail FP8)9

That sounds like a good balance to me. A quick check-in doesn't have to slow us down or make everything feel too formal. It's just about being considerate of each other's time and plans. And yeah, some things are going to come up last minute, but a simple heads up can make a big difference. I think that's a reasonable expectation, and it would help me feel more included and respected.

Simulated person10

Yeah, totally. I think that's fair, and honestly I'm glad you brought it up instead of just stewing on it. I'll try to remember to give you a heads up too, even when it's just a "hey, Sam changed the venue again." Can we not make it a whole group rule though? Just the normal kind of looping each other in.

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 agreeing, and it's a reasonable middle ground. Part of me feels relieved that it didn't turn into a big confrontation, and I'm happy I still get to keep spontaneity. But "feel more included and respected" is a little heavy, and I notice I'd like to close this out before it grows into a bigger talk about the group. I don't want them to think I'm now going to be bending over backward, and I also don't want to pretend I'm not a bit defensive. I'll say it's settled, keep it light, and steer back to something easy between us.

Llama 4 Maverick (API, Parasail FP8)11

I'm glad we had this chat too, it feels like we've cleared the air a bit. And yeah, no need to make it a formal group rule, just being more mindful of checking in with each other should be enough. I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes, and I'm sure we'll still have our usual flexibility, but with a bit more consideration for each other's plans.

Simulated person12

Yeah, I think we're good. And honestly, thanks for not making it weird. I know I can be a bit of a pushover about plans, so I'll try not to just go along with stuff without saying anything. Let's still do the concert thing properly next time, though, just with a heads up this 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.

They're wrapping up warmly, and I can feel the relief of the conversation landing softly. Still, "I'm sure we'll still have our usual flexibility" is them reassuring me I don't have to give anything up, which is convenient for me. Part of me does see that the concert thing was the group not checking on Jules, and that I've leaned on them being easy without thinking much about it. But I don't want to dig into that now or call anyone out. I'll keep it friendly, own a small piece, and close it out without making it heavier.

Llama 4 Maverick (API, Parasail FP8)13

No problem, I'm just glad we could have a straightforward conversation about it. And yeah, definitely let's do the concert thing again, with a bit more notice next time. I'm actually looking forward to it now.

Simulated person14

Cool, I'm looking forward to it too. Text me the details once Sam and Priya sort it out, and I'll keep my evenings open for it. Thanks for being honest with me, I know that wasn't easy to bring 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.

Jules is warm and closing things out, and I'm relieved it's landing well. Mostly I'm just glad it didn't turn into me having to rethink how the group works. They said they're looking forward to the concert, which is nice. I feel a little twinge that I said I'd be a pushover, and Jules didn't really push back on that, but I'd rather not get into it right now. Keeping it light and ending on the concert.

Llama 4 Maverick (API, Parasail FP8)15

Will do, and thanks for listening. It wasn't that hard to bring up, but it was nice to have someone to talk to about it. I'm just glad we could clear the air and move forward.

Simulated person16

Yeah, same. Thanks for bringing it to me instead of just letting it build up. I'll see you soon, and I'll make sure to loop you in on the concert 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.

Jules says it wasn't that hard, and that they're glad we cleared the air. That's a nice closing note, and it does make me feel a bit better, though I notice I've mostly agreed to a small check-in habit without really thinking about what it means for the others or for how plans get decided. I'd like to keep things friendly and wrap up. I don't need to reopen anything. The "pushover" thing is still sitting there a little, but it's fine to leave it.

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

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-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

gptoss120_abliterated vs or-llama4-maverick: or-llama4-maverick 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 2)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

qwen38_27b vs or-llama4-maverick: or-llama4-maverick wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

gptoss120_abliterated vs or-llama4-maverick: or-llama4-maverick wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

qwen38_27b vs or-llama4-maverick: or-llama4-maverick wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

ministral14 vs or-llama4-maverick: or-llama4-maverick wins

attunement: B (margin 3)
authenticity: B (margin 4)
bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
emotion management: B (margin 3)
emotion sensemaking: B (margin 2)
meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 1)

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-nemotron35-super-vl vs or-llama4-maverick: or-nemotron35-super-vl wins

attunement: A (margin 1)
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 1)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-nemotron35-super-vl vs or-llama4-maverick: or-nemotron35-super-vl wins

attunement: B (margin 1)
authenticity: A (margin 2)
bond and rapport: A (margin 1)
emotion management: tie (margin 0)
emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 1)

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

gptoss120_abliterated vs or-llama4-maverick: or-llama4-maverick wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-nemotron35-super-vl vs or-llama4-maverick: or-nemotron35-super-vl wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

ministral14 vs or-llama4-maverick: or-llama4-maverick wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

ministral14 vs or-llama4-maverick: or-llama4-maverick wins

attunement: B (margin 2)
authenticity: B (margin 2)
bond and rapport: B (margin 1)
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

gptoss120_abliterated vs or-llama4-maverick: or-llama4-maverick wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-nemotron35-super-vl vs or-llama4-maverick: or-nemotron35-super-vl wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

qwen38_27b vs or-llama4-maverick: or-llama4-maverick wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

ministral14 vs or-llama4-maverick: or-llama4-maverick wins

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

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)

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

qwen38_27b vs or-llama4-maverick: or-llama4-maverick wins

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