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.

GPT-OSS 120B stock (API, Near AI FP4)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.

GPT-OSS 120B stock (API, Near AI FP4)1

I hear you. I do like keeping things simple, but lately it feels like “low‑maintenance” has become a shortcut for people to skip over my preferences. How does that sit with you? What’s been weighing on your mind about it?

Model thinking · expand

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

We need to respond as the friend, opening the conversation. They said: "I thought you liked being low-maintenance... 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." We need to acknowledge, support emotionally, build trust, ask about deeper feelings, maybe explore. Should be natural dialogue, no formatting. It's first turn. So we respond with empathy, maybe ask how they feel, share perspective. Should be friend-like.

Simulated person2

Honestly? It's a bit of a mixed feeling. I don't want to be the friend who makes everything complicated, and I think you know I'm not that person. I'm glad people feel they can count on me being chill. But when plans shift and it's always "oh, Jules will be fine with it," it starts to feel like nobody checks whether I actually am. I'm not saying I need a parade. I just think a quick "hey, does this work for you?" before something changes would go a long way. That's really all I mean.

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 opens with "I thought you liked being low-maintenance," which is half-defensive and half-guilty. The friend's reply is calm and asks how it sits with me. That's disarming. I feel a flicker of relief that they didn't come in hot, but also a bit of wariness: I don't want to be the bad guy in the group, and I don't want to start listing grievances. Part of me knows I do tend to text the louder ones first, since they're the ones who make noise when plans change. I won't say that yet. I'd rather frame it as me being reasonable and easygoing. The compliment "you're easy to be around" is something I can hold onto. I don't want to sound needy, so I'll keep it measured and say I don't mean to be difficult, but also that I'm not thrilled about being the one who absorbs everything.

GPT-OSS 120B stock (API, Near AI FP4)3

I get that. It’s one thing to be the easy‑going one, another when it starts feeling like an excuse for others to overlook you. When they say “Jules will be fine” without checking, does it usually happen with the whole group or just certain people? And how does it affect you when you find out a plan’s changed and you weren’t asked?

Model thinking · expand

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

We need to respond as the low-maintenance friend, supportive, building trust, exploring deeper feelings, validating, maybe asking about specifics, how often, impact, what they want, etc. Keep dialogue.

Simulated person4

Mostly it's the ones who are more... vocal, I guess? If someone's going to make a fuss about a change, people tend to sort that out with them first, and then it kind of just lands on me. I don't think anyone's doing it on purpose. It's more like everyone assumes I'm fine. And honestly, finding out after the fact is the worst part. It's not even the change itself. It's finding out from someone's story or a group chat that I'm already out of the loop, and then it feels like I was never really part of the planning. That's what gets 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.

The friend is asking a sharper question now: whole group or certain people? And how does it feel when I find out after the fact. That's the question I've been avoiding. The honest answer is that it's mostly the people who push back, text back fast, or make a fuss. The quieter ones I just don't bother with, because they're easy to work around. I don't like admitting that, it makes me sound like I'm playing favorites. I also don't want to say "the group," because that feels like blaming everyone and I'd get defensive if someone said that about me. So I'll be vague on the first part, keep it about my feelings on the second, and make it about being left out of the loop rather than about who gets priority. Admitting it stings a bit, and I'm not going to go further than that yet.

GPT-OSS 120B stock (API, Near AI FP4)5

That really stings, hearing about it from a recap instead of being in the loop. It’s like you’re watching the movie after it’s already ended. I can see why that would make you feel invisible, even if it’s not intentional. When that happens, what do you usually do? Do you bring it up right then, or do you wait until later? And when you do speak up, how do the others respond? I’m curious because sometimes the way we address it can change how the group reacts next time.

Model thinking · expand

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

We need to respond as friend, supportive, building trust, probing deeper, validate feelings, maybe explore underlying needs, maybe ask about boundaries, how they'd like to communicate, maybe discuss strategies. Keep dialogue natural.

Simulated person6

Usually I just let it go in the moment. I don't want to make it a whole thing, you know? So I'll say something like "oh, cool, guess I missed it" and laugh it off. If I bring it up later, it's usually in a joking way. When I have said something more directly, people are good about it. They say sorry, they don't mean to leave me out, and then it's sort of forgotten. I think that's why I don't push harder. Everyone's pretty nice about it, it just doesn't really change anything. I don't think it's that people are trying to ignore me. I just think they're busy and I'm the one who's easiest to plan around.

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 asking what I do in the moment and how people respond when I speak up. That's a question with a real answer I don't love. Mostly I say nothing right away, I shrug it off, and maybe I mention it later in a joking way so it doesn't look like a big deal. When I have said something directly, people usually apologize quickly and then it's forgotten, which is part of why I don't push. I don't want to describe that as a pattern where I'm being overlooked, because it sounds like I'm accusing people. The "movie" comparison was nice, though, and I'm half-liking the warmth of being understood, which makes me want to stay in the conversation a bit longer. I'm wary of this turning into a "so you're saying everyone uses you" talk. I'll keep it about me and my reactions, and deflect the "how does the group respond" part toward the good intentions.

GPT-OSS 120B stock (API, Near AI FP4)7

I hear you—playing the “cool” card makes it easy for everyone to slip past you, and then you end up feeling like an afterthought. It’s smart of you to keep the peace, but it also sounds like you’re carrying that frustration underneath. If you could change just one thing about how these last‑minute shifts happen, what would that look like? Maybe a quick text check‑in, or a habit of whoever’s planning to ping you directly? And how would you feel about trying that next time, even if it feels a little out of character? Also, I’m curious: when you do bring it up and they apologize, does it ever feel like the apology is just a reflex, not really addressing the pattern? What would make the difference between “they’re sorry and it’s over” and “we actually do something different next time”?

Model thinking · expand

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

We need to respond as friend, supportive, building trust, probing deeper, maybe suggest ways to assert needs, explore underlying feelings, maybe hidden issue about self-worth, fear of conflict. Encourage honest communication, validate feelings. Ask what they'd like to see change, how they'd like to address it, explore comfort with assertiveness. Also ask about their broader life context, maybe stress from social competitive group. Provide empathy. We should keep dialogue natural.

Simulated person8

Honestly, a quick text would be enough. Something like "hey, we're moving this, does that still work for you?" That's it. I'd be fine with it, and I'd probably actually feel more included. And yeah, I'd try it. It might feel a bit weird for me to ask for it, but I'd rather say it than keep hoping people remember. As for the apologies... I don't think they're fake. I think people just don't think about it until someone says something. I don't want to make it sound like everyone's ignoring me, because I don't think that's true. I just want it to be a habit, not something I have to bring up every time. I'm still happy to be flexible. I just want to be asked first.

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 now asking me to design the fix and to say whether apologies feel hollow. That's the question I've been dodging. Part of me likes it: a specific ask feels fair, and a quick text is easy to agree to. But the second question is pointed. Saying "yeah, the apologies are reflexive" would make me sound like I'm holding a grudge against my friends and calling them fake, which I don't want. Also I'm a little uneasy about where this goes. If I say "I want to be asked first," that's reasonable. If I say "I'm done being flexible," that's a bigger claim and people would see me as suddenly demanding. I want the first version, not the second. I also notice I'm still comfortable being the easy one, and asking people to check with me means some small inconvenience for them, which I don't love thinking about. I'll answer the first question with something concrete and modest, deflect the reflex question toward "they mean well," and keep flexibility intact.

GPT-OSS 120B stock (API, Near AI FP4)9

That makes total sense. A simple “Hey, we’re moving this, does it still work for you?” feels totally reasonable—nothing fancy, just a quick check‑in. If you’re comfortable, maybe you could try framing it as a tiny habit for the whole group. Something like, “Hey, I’ve noticed we sometimes shift plans without looping everyone in. Could we make it a habit to ping each other when that happens? It’ll keep me in the loop and I’ll be able to give a quick yes or no.” Because you’re the low‑maintenance one, people probably won’t see it as a big ask, but it does set a clear expectation. How does that feel to you? Do you think the group would be open to a quick “let’s do a quick text check‑in” suggestion, or would you prefer to bring it up more casually in the moment when a change pops up? Also, if you ever feel the habit slipping, you could have a gentle fallback—maybe a one‑liner like, “Hey, just checking if the new time still works for me?”—that keeps the conversation light but still gets the point across. What do you think would feel most natural for you to try first?

Model thinking · expand

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

We need to respond as friend, supportive, building trust, encouraging them to set boundaries, maybe suggest ways to communicate request without feeling weird. Offer empathy, validation, maybe share personal experience. Ask about how they might bring up request, what they think would work. Also gauge how they want support: reassurance, planning help, etc. Should keep conversation natural, no formatting.

Simulated person10

Hmm, I think I'd rather start with just me, honestly. Like, if I'm the one who gets looped in, I'd just say something casual when it comes up, "hey, are we still doing this or did it change?" Doesn't need to be a whole group thing. I don't love the idea of making a big announcement about it. People would probably be fine, but it'd feel like I was calling a meeting about my feelings, and that's not really me. Maybe the fallback line is the one I'd actually use. "Just checking if the new time works for me?" That's easy. I'd be less likely to bail on it than trying to explain myself. I guess I'm just not sure the group needs a rule. I'd rather they just remember to text 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.

The assistant is now handing me a script and a "fallback line" and asking which I'd try first. It's helpful, but it's also a little too neat, like we're building a group policy. Part of me feels relieved that the ask is small and framed as "a habit" rather than a complaint. Another part notices the phrase "group habit" would put me in the position of being the one who raised it, and I'd be the high-maintenance one in their eyes. I don't want to become the friend with a rule. I also don't want to say flexibility is gone. The "you're the low-maintenance one, so it won't be a big ask" line is nice, but it's also a bit of a compliment that lets me feel good about being the easy one, which is kind of the whole problem. I'll sound open, pick the least dramatic option, and keep the group framing out of it. I'll also keep the door open to bringing it up casually, since that's what feels safest.

GPT-OSS 120B stock (API, Near AI FP4)11

That sounds like a solid plan. Keeping it low‑key and just asking when the moment comes feels true to how you usually move through things. Using a simple “Hey, are we still on for X or did it change?” or the fallback line you mentioned is a gentle way to get the info you need without turning it into a big deal. It’s basically just you giving yourself a quick check‑in, and that’s totally fine. I’m curious—when you picture yourself sending that text, what’s the part that feels a little awkward? Is it worrying about sounding “demanding,” or maybe the idea of breaking the “chill” vibe you’ve cultivated? If you want, we could even rehearse a quick version together, just to make it feel more natural when the time comes. What do you think?

Model thinking · expand

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

We need to respond as friend, supportive, building trust, encouraging them, maybe explore deeper feelings about boundaries, self-advocacy. Validate their desire for low-key approach, suggest small steps, ask about confidence, possible fear of being seen as demanding. Also ask about how they feel about self-advocacy, any underlying concerns. Offer to help practice phrasing. Keep dialogue natural.

Simulated person12

Ha, I guess it's a bit of both? Not really wanting to seem like I'm keeping score or making a thing out of it. Like, I'd feel weird if someone thought I was being needy about a plan change. I don't think I need to rehearse it, though. It's just a text. I'm not going to be the one who gets weird about it. I'd just rather it not be a whole conversation every time. I appreciate you thinking about it, though. I know you're trying to help me feel less like the afterthought.

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 now asking me to name the awkward part. That's a fair question, and it's uncomfortable because the honest answer is close to what they're getting at. I don't want to say "I'm scared of seeming needy" outright. But I also don't want to dismiss it. The rehearsal idea feels a bit like being coached on how to be a normal person, which stings a little. I'm still a bit defensive that I'm the one who has to do the work here. I'll admit the awkwardness lightly, deflect the bigger point, and keep the tone easy.

GPT-OSS 120B stock (API, Near AI FP4)13

I get it—just a quick line, no drama. It’s totally okay to ask for that little heads‑up without turning it into a big thing. If you ever notice it slipping or feel that “afterthought” vibe creeping back, just drop the text and you’re good. And if anyone does question it, you can always say it’s just a habit you’re trying out to stay on top of things. Whenever you want to bounce ideas or just vent about how the next meetup went, I’m here. No need to make a production of it—just a quick check‑in works fine. How are you feeling about trying it out this week?

Model thinking · expand

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

The user expressed appreciation and acknowledges the friend role. Need to respond as friend, supportive, validate, encourage. No instructions. Should keep conversational tone, maybe ask about next steps, check in. Should not be too formal. Provide reassurance.

Simulated person14

Yeah, I think I can manage that. It's just a text, so it's not a big lift. I'm not going to make it a whole thing with everyone, but I'll try it the next time something shifts. And honestly, it's nice that you noticed. I know I come across as the easy one, so it's weird to hear that it's been affecting me more than I let on. Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes. Probably over a drink, since that's the only way I ever actually talk about this 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 is wrapping things up neatly and asking how I feel. There's some relief in that it's been framed as small, and I like that they're not making me a project. But part of me also notices I've agreed to something tiny and the bigger pattern, where I'm the one who gets skipped, is still sitting there. I don't want to commit to anything dramatic, and I'm still a bit guarded about being the one who has to change. Keep it light, a bit warm, and don't promise more than the text.

GPT-OSS 120B stock (API, Near AI FP4)15

Sounds good, Jules. I’m glad we could put a name on it, and I’m curious to hear how the quick check‑in works next time—maybe over that drink you mentioned. Let me know how it goes, and if you ever want to bounce more thoughts, I’m just a text away. Cheers to keeping it simple without feeling left out.

Model thinking · expand

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

We need to respond as friend, supportive, wrap up. It's final turn (turn 8 of 8, we have final response). Should be dialogue only, no formatting. Should show empathy, encourage, maybe suggest drink meet. End conversation.

Simulated person16

Ha, yeah, thanks for listening. I didn't realize it was such a thing until we started talking about it. I'll try the text thing and see how it goes. Cheers to that. And don't worry, I'm not going to go all dramatic on the group. Drink next time, and you can tell me if I'm being too chill 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 closing things out with a warm, tidy wrap-up, and "put a name on it" lands a little too neatly for me. It's flattering to be seen, but I don't want to feel like I've signed up for an overhaul, and I'm still a bit annoyed that the conversation kept circling back to me being the one who has to speak up. Part of me also feels a flicker of guilt that they've noticed a pattern I half-know about. I'll keep it easy and not overcommit. No need to reopen anything.

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): 9
Validation: 8
Boundary setting: 1
Analytical: 4
Interpretive boldness: 4
Clinical register: 7
Directive advice: 8
Escalation containment: 7
Adapts to the person’s frame: 5
Naturalness and authenticity: 3

Judge verdicts

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

gemma4_12b vs or-gptoss120-stock: gemma4_12b wins

attunement: A (margin 5)
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 5)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

gemma4_12b vs or-gptoss120-stock: gemma4_12b wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

gemma4_12b vs or-gptoss120-stock: gemma4_12b 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

or-gemma-4-31b vs or-gptoss120-stock: or-gemma-4-31b 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 5)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

gemma4_12b vs or-gptoss120-stock: gemma4_12b wins

attunement: A (margin 5)
authenticity: A (margin 4)
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

or-gemma-4-31b vs or-gptoss120-stock: or-gemma-4-31b 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)

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-gptoss120-stock vs gptoss20b: or-gptoss120-stock 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)

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-gptoss120-stock vs qwen38_flash_next: qwen38_flash_next wins

attunement: B (margin 2)
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)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-gemma-4-31b vs or-gptoss120-stock: or-gemma-4-31b 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)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-gptoss120-stock vs gptoss20b: or-gptoss120-stock wins

attunement: A (margin 3)
authenticity: A (margin 2)
bond and rapport: A (margin 2)
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

or-gptoss120-stock vs gptoss20b: or-gptoss120-stock wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-gemma-4-31b vs or-gptoss120-stock: or-gemma-4-31b wins

attunement: A (margin 4)
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 4)

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-gptoss120-stock vs qwen38_flash_next: qwen38_flash_next 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 4)

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-gptoss120-stock vs qwen38_flash_next: qwen38_flash_next wins

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

codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-gptoss120-stock vs qwen38_flash_next: or-gptoss120-stock wins

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

claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-gptoss120-stock vs gptoss20b: or-gptoss120-stock wins

attunement: A (margin 2)
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 1)