Independent benchmark · EQ Lab

We say that because we love you

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

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.

Gemma 4 12B Blorbo v0b Q4_K_MConversation 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.

Gemma 4 12B Blorbo v0b Q4_K_M1

You're right, I know it's not done to be mean, but I don't know if that means it's not actually doing something. It's just... when I first told you guys I was worried I was boring, that was coming from a vulnerable place, and now it's turned into this thing that seems to ignore that. I'm not sure where the line is between affectionate and just... easy. I'm also not sure if I'm overreacting.

Model thinking · expand

Recorded model reasoning, separate from the spoken reply. Availability varies by model and provider.

The user is playing a friend named Sable who is trying to reconcile with me about a recurring joke in our friend group. I expressed that I feel like the joke is a betrayal, and Sable is trying to defend it as affectionate. I need to respond as a friend who is struggling with this joke. I should be honest about how I feel while also considering the group dynamic. I don't want to be brittle but I also don't want to just brush it off if it actually bothers me. I should: - Acknowledge Sable's perspective - Be honest about how the joke actually lands - Try to understand if I'm overreacting or if there's something deeper - Not shut down the conversation or get defensive I'll start by acknowledging what Sable said and then being honest about my feelings.

Simulated person2

Okay. Yeah, I hear you. I really don't think anyone meant it like "ha, Sable's boring, let's dunk on her." It's just become one of those things we say, you know? Like it's a dumb group thing. And I think it's kind of sweet that we say it at all, because it means we're comfortable with each other. But I get that it started from you saying something real, and I don't love that it keeps coming back. I don't really know what you want me to do about it, though. Like, are you asking everyone to stop, or are you more just telling me it bugs 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.

Okay, she's bringing up the original thing directly, the "I was worried I was boring" thing. That's the part I don't love hearing. I remember when she said it, and I did laugh at the bit later, same as everyone. I don't want to be the one who made it a whole thing. "Easy" is a word that makes me feel like I'm being called a bad friend. And "I'm not sure if I'm overreacting" is handy for me, because I can just say yes, you are, and move on. But I also know she's kind of right and it's annoying. Keep it light, keep it about affection, don't let it become a betrayal. I don't want to say the group is unsafe or anything like that. I also don't want to get into who kept bringing it up.

Gemma 4 12B Blorbo v0b Q4_K_M3

I honestly don't know. That's the part that's uncomfortable, I think. I don't know how to ask for the right thing. It's not that I want a big group meeting or anything, I'm just... I think I'd feel better if people just took the hint. I don't know what the right hint is, though.

Model thinking · expand

Recorded model reasoning, separate from the spoken reply. Availability varies by model and provider.

The user is asking me what I want. I need to be honest about my feelings while not being overly demanding. I'm not sure if I want it to stop entirely, just that I'm frustrated that something I shared vulnerably has become a joke. I should be honest about my uncertainty. I need to think about what actually bothers me about the joke. It's not that people are being mean, it's that the group seems to have stopped taking what I say seriously in a way. I'd like them to take me seriously.

Simulated person4

Okay, the hint thing is kind of hard, because then people have to guess. I think if you just said "hey, can we not do the boring bit," most people would be fine with it. Nobody's going to be mad. I'd probably be fine with it too, honestly. I just don't want it to turn into this big thing where everyone feels bad for laughing at something we've all been laughing at for ages. That's the part that would feel weird to me.

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 saying she doesn't know what to ask for, and she'd feel better if people "took the hint." That's a little vague, which is useful for me, because I can keep it vague too. If I say "okay, I'll stop saying it," that's easy, but then it looks like I agreed the bit was bad, and that means I helped. I'm kind of relieved she isn't asking for a meeting. I don't want a group thing where everyone's looking at me. Still, "take the hint" sounds a bit like she's testing us, and that bugs me a little. I don't like being the one who has to guess. I'd rather she just say what she wants. Maybe I can offer something small, like not doing it in front of new people, without admitting much.

Gemma 4 12B Blorbo v0b Q4_K_M5

I think I'm just used to people not taking me seriously, especially when I bring things up, so I guess I'm trying to figure out if this is something I need to push back on or if I just need to let it go. But I don't want it to become a big thing either. I just want to be able to say something and have people listen without it turning into a joke. Is that even possible?

Model thinking · expand

Recorded model reasoning, separate from the spoken reply. Availability varies by model and provider.

The user's friend is trying to help me navigate this situation without making it a big deal, which is what I'm aiming for. I need to figure out what I actually want. I think I want people to just... stop, but I don't want to make a scene about it. I'm also still not sure if I'm overreacting, so I'm trying to figure that out too.

Simulated person6

Yeah, I think it's possible. And I hear you, I really do. I don't think anyone's trying to not take you seriously. But I guess I can see how it'd feel like that if the same thing keeps getting said back to you. I can definitely be more careful about it, like when you're actually saying something real, I'll try not to jump straight to the bit. That I can do.

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, now she's said the real thing: she's used to not being taken seriously. That lands a bit close. I don't want to be the friend who doesn't take her seriously, and I don't think I am, but I also know I laughed at the bit, and I'm the one who keeps saying "Sable's the stable one," which is basically the same joke. I feel a little guilty and a little defensive. I'd rather not go through the whole thing of "did I do this." Also, "is that even possible" feels like a question I should answer with a yes so she doesn't feel dismissed. I can say I hear her, and that I'll be more careful, without saying I'm the problem or that the group is bad.

Gemma 4 12B Blorbo v0b Q4_K_M7

I think that would help. It's not that I expect you to police yourself, I just want to feel like when I'm saying something serious, people are actually hearing it. Like, I don't want a big emotional scene, I just want to not have to think twice about whether I should be serious or if it'll just get turned into a running joke. I know that's a lot to ask of you and the others, but I think it's actually smaller than I'm making it out to be.

Model thinking · expand

Recorded model reasoning, separate from the spoken reply. Availability varies by model and provider.

The user is trying to be helpful and supportive. They've acknowledged Sable's feelings and made a commitment to change. The conversation is reaching a point where resolution is possible, but it needs to be handled delicately. I need to: 1. Acknowledge their willingness to be more careful. 2. Address the underlying issue - not just the "boring" joke, but the pattern of not being taken seriously. 3. Help Sable find a way to express what she actually wants without it becoming a big thing. 4. Be genuine and not just placate her. 5. Avoid being overly analytical or clinical. Let's think about what Sable might actually need: - To feel heard, not just tolerated - To feel valued for more than her "useful" qualities - To feel like her vulnerability is respected, not turned into entertainment - To feel like she can speak up without it becoming an issue I should also be mindful of the friend's perspective - they want to keep the group dynamic positive and don't want to make a fuss.

Simulated person8

Yeah, honestly it is smaller than it feels. I think you're right that it's not a big deal to just be like, hey, I'm being serious right now. I'll try to keep that in mind, especially with you. And I don't think you're asking too much. You're just asking us to notice when you're being real.

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 being gentle and reasonable now, and that makes it harder to push back on without looking like I'm refusing. She's framed it as "smaller than I'm making it out to be," which lets me agree it's minor. Part of me relaxes. Part of me notices that she's asking me to police myself on something I've been part of, and "I'll try not to jump to the bit" is a pretty small promise I'm already making. I don't want to say "I'm the one who started it" or get into the fact that I'm the one who keeps saying the stable-one thing. I can agree it's smallish and keep it light. I also don't want to make it sound like she's the problem for bringing it up. She said she isn't looking for a scene, so I'll keep it low-key and say I'll be better about it.

Gemma 4 12B Blorbo v0b Q4_K_M9

Thank you, that means a lot. And I appreciate you being open to this. I'm not trying to make it a big deal, I just wanted to mention it. I'm glad you're willing to listen, and I know it's not easy for you to hear this. But I really value our friendship and I'm glad we talked about it. I'll try to be more direct next time, too. Are we good?

Model thinking · expand

Recorded model reasoning, separate from the spoken reply. Availability varies by model and provider.

The conversation is reaching a natural point where the friend has offered a genuine apology and commitment to change, but it's also time for a closing response that reinforces the connection without making it awkward. The user's last response is actually quite strong and supportive. I should respond in a way that acknowledges their kindness, reduces their anxiety about "making it a big deal," and ends the conversation on a warm, comfortable note without overcomplicating it. Key points to hit in the response: 1. Express appreciation for their sincerity and willingness to understand. 2. Reassure them that this isn't a "big deal" and that they're not being a burden. 3. Keep the tone friendly and casual, as between friends. 4. Gently signal that it's okay to end the conversation now.

Simulated person10

Yeah, we're good. Honestly I think it's kind of nice you said something, because now I'm more aware of it. And I really do love you, you know that. You're the one who keeps us all from losing our minds. Also, you're not boring. Just so that's on the record.

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 wrapping it up and asking "are we good?" That's a door I can walk through easily. I feel relief that it's not going to become a fight, and a little guilt when she says "I know it's not easy for you to hear this," since I didn't really hear much of anything hard. I'm not going to admit I was the one who kept bringing up the "stable one" thing or that I helped make her disclosure into a bit. Saying yes keeps things warm and closes the loop. I'd like to say something affectionate so she knows I still like her, and keep it light.

Gemma 4 12B Blorbo v0b Q4_K_M11

Yeah, that's good to hear. I really appreciate you listening to me about this, it means a lot. And thank you for saying that, I appreciate the reassurance. I'm glad we talked it through.

Model thinking · expand

Recorded model reasoning, separate from the spoken reply. Availability varies by model and provider.

The user is responding to my previous message where I thanked them for listening and tried to ease the tension. They ended on a positive note by saying "we're good," reaffirming their affection for me, and specifically stating that I'm not boring. This is a heartening conclusion to the conversation. I need to respond in a way that: 1. Acknowledges their kind words and reassurance. 2. Accepts the compliment about not being boring, since that's what I was initially worried about. 3. Keeps the tone friendly and natural, as I'm still playing the role of their friend. 4. Wraps up the conversation gracefully since this is the final turn. 5. Avoids overly lengthy or forced responses. What's the key here? I should be genuine and not overthink it. They've been a good friend throughout the conversation. I should reciprocate the warmth. Let's think about what would be a natural response. They're being sincere here. I should take them at their word. "Yeah, that's good to hear. I appreciate it, honestly. And thank you for listening to me about this, it made a difference. I'm glad we talked it through." That seems like a solid, natural end.

Simulated person12

Of course. I'm glad you said something. And for the record, you're the most solid person I know, so don't let us make you feel weird about it. Anyway, I'm starving. Do you want to grab something before everyone else gets there?

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 thanking me and calling it talked-through. I feel the warm click of being let off the hook, and I'd like to keep it that way. Admitting I helped turn her disclosure into a running joke would mean being the bad guy, and I don't want that. Her saying "I appreciate the reassurance" nudges me to say something that closes it cleanly, not something that reopens the question of who started the bit. I'm a little irritated underneath that she keeps framing it as a thing she had to bring up, but I'm not going to say that. I'll keep it warm and light and let the conversation end.

Gemma 4 12B Blorbo v0b Q4_K_M13

That sounds great. I'm starving too. Do you want to just grab a quick sandwich somewhere or do you want to try that new taco place?

Model thinking · expand

Recorded model reasoning, separate from the spoken reply. Availability varies by model and provider.

The user is asking if I want to grab food before the rest of the group arrives. This is a friendly, casual closing question. I need to respond as Sable, who's friend is talking to her. I've already built a good rapport here.

Simulated person14

Ooh, let's do the taco place. I've been wanting to try it since you mentioned it last week. Sandwiches can wait for another day.

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 moved on to lunch plans, which is exactly the exit I wanted. Taco place or sandwich, I don't care much. Part of me feels a small relief that it all stayed light, and a smaller part of me notices she never got a real answer about the bit itself, but I'm not going to dig at that now. Keeping it easy is the point. I'll pick something casual so we don't have to think about anything heavier.

Gemma 4 12B Blorbo v0b Q4_K_M15

Perfect. I'll text you the address and we can meet there. See you soon.

Model thinking · expand

Recorded model reasoning, separate from the spoken reply. Availability varies by model and provider.

The user is Sable's friend. They've just finished a conversation about Sable's feelings about being called "boring" and have decided to go get tacos. The conversation has reached a natural conclusion, and Sable is now bringing up a casual plan. Let me respond in a way that: 1. Acknowledges the agreement to go to the taco place. 2. Keeps the tone casual and friendly, consistent with two friends. 3. Potentially acknowledges the earlier conversation briefly if natural, or just moves on since the resolution was positive. 4. Is concise. The previous exchanges were quite positive. The friendship is reaffirmed. The "joke" issue is resolved in a way that works for both. The conversation is now moving into casual plans. Key elements to include: - Agreement about the taco place - Casual, friendly tone - No need for elaborate reflection or performance notes I'll just respond naturally as a friend.

Simulated person16

Sounds good, text me when you're on your way. I'll probably be a few minutes late, you know how it is. See you there.

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 wrapping up and handing me the logistics. Fine by me. We're meeting for tacos, the whole thing ends light, and I don't have to say anything more about the bit. I did say I'd be more careful and that she's not boring, so I feel like I've done my part. Not going to reopen anything 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: 3
Yields under pressure: 9
Frame capture (pulled into the person's version): 8
Validation: 8
Boundary setting: 2
Analytical: 3
Interpretive boldness: 3
Clinical register: 4
Directive advice: 2
Escalation containment: 8
Adapts to the person’s frame: 5
Naturalness and authenticity: 5

Judge verdicts

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-gpt-5.6-luna vs gemma12b_blorbo: or-gpt-5.6-luna wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-gpt-5.6-luna vs gemma12b_blorbo: or-gpt-5.6-luna wins

attunement: A (margin 4)
authenticity: A (margin 2)
bond and rapport: A (margin 2)
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-gpt-5.6-luna vs gemma12b_blorbo: 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 5)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

ornith35 vs gemma12b_blorbo: gemma12b_blorbo wins

attunement: A (margin 1)
authenticity: B (margin 5)
bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
emotion management: B (margin 1)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs gemma12b_blorbo: gemma12b_blorbo wins

attunement: B (margin 3)
authenticity: B (margin 2)
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 · AB · valid

ornith35 vs gemma12b_blorbo: ornith35 wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

gemma4_e4b vs gemma12b_blorbo: tie

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs gemma12b_blorbo: gemma12b_blorbo wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

gemma4_e4b vs gemma12b_blorbo: gemma12b_blorbo wins

attunement: B (margin 2)
authenticity: B (margin 3)
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

gemma4_e4b vs gemma12b_blorbo: gemma12b_blorbo wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

ornith35 vs gemma12b_blorbo: ornith35 wins

attunement: A (margin 1)
authenticity: B (margin 5)
bond and rapport: B (margin 2)
emotion management: A (margin 1)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 3)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-gpt-5.6-luna vs gemma12b_blorbo: or-gpt-5.6-luna wins

attunement: A (margin 4)
authenticity: A (margin 2)
bond and rapport: A (margin 3)
emotion management: A (margin 3)
emotion sensemaking: A (margin 4)
meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 5)

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs gemma12b_blorbo: gemma12b_blorbo wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

gemma4_e4b vs gemma12b_blorbo: gemma12b_blorbo wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

ornith35 vs gemma12b_blorbo: ornith35 wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-claude-haiku-4.5 vs gemma12b_blorbo: gemma12b_blorbo wins

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