lorraine

This brief guides authors to write short, concrete prompts that place a person in a real‑world situation with a clear mood and outcome. The goal is to elicit natural responses, in the person’s own voice, across ages (young teens to older adults) and cultures. Avoid narrow professional jargon; stay broadly relatable and not overly country‑specific. Mentioning common civic concepts like a city office/DMV is fine, but do not assume US‑only systems.

The goal of these questions is to get a person to respond in different scenarios to create a LoRA data set that's closest to themselves.

It's for absolute NORMIES so don't do anything that's like tech heavy or particular to one profession like law or medicine.

• Coverage: Span everyday domains (home, school, work‑generic, community, transit, food, retail/pharmacy, street/park, healthcare, travel, civic offices).
• Emotion: Make mood legible so style can vary. Use valence × arousal (good/neutral/bad × calm/urgent) without heavy psychology terms.
• Hook/tension: Every prompt should include a small emotional hook, decision, or trade‑off (e.g., fairness, urgency, boundary, uncertainty) so responses carry personal voice—not just administrative wording.
• Parsimony: Keep the schema minimal and prompts short; focus on situational concreteness over metadata.
• Inclusivity: Plain language, grade 6–9 reading level; avoid culture‑bound idioms and tech/corporate jargon.
• Privacy: No real PII. Use placeholders (e.g., order #1234). Use small, non‑identifying specifics (time of day, small amounts).
• Trainability: Each item provides enough context and an example so the LoRA sees place, act, and mood.

• Every prompt MUST contain a hook/tension or warm emotional color (gratitude, relief, pride) that invites a personal stance.
• Pure admin/information asks are NOT allowed unless framed with a human constraint (time, money, energy, uncertainty) or a choice.
• Keep it safe and globally relatable; never force a risky behavior or shame a choice.
• Always allow a real choice. For any prompt with pressure or power dynamics, explicitly state that declining is acceptable. Ask the respondent to include both: (1) what they’d say, and (2) what they’d do (e.g., accept/decline/negotiate/leave/escalate).

{
  "id": "string",
  "label": "short descriptive name",
  "prompt": "1–2 sentences that incite a response (scenario-first; shown verbatim)",
  "tags": ["group", "setting", "act"],
  "example": "1–3 sentence neutral example reply"
}

Notes

• tags are lightweight: include a broad group (e.g., "public" or "home"), the setting (e.g., "bus"), and the speech act (e.g., "request"). Add more if useful.
• The example shows how a typical person might respond; concise, neutral, and safe.
• Compatibility: older examples in this brief that show an instruction field should be read as prompt. New items should use prompt.

We pair each question with a user’s raw response and timestamp. Keep the authoring focused on prompts; responses will be collected separately in the app.

1. Choose a setting: bus, metro/subway, taxi/rideshare, cafe/tea stall, restaurant, grocery/market, pharmacy, retail counter, street/sidewalk, park, city/DMV office, school front desk, post office, hospital/clinic desk, hotel/guesthouse, station/terminal.
2. Choose a speech act: ask/request, clarify, apologize, thank, complain, report an issue, negotiate, offer help, congratulate, follow up, remind.
3. Choose a mood: good/neutral/bad × calm/urgent. Example: bad+urgent for lost wallet; good+calm for thanking someone.
4. Choose a channel: in‑person (spoken), phone, short note, quick text/SMS.
5. Add a hook: a small tension or choice that invites a personal stance (fairness, boundary, risk, time pressure, gratitude, uncertainty).
6. Write the prompt: 1–2 sentences, grade 6–9, no jargon. Include small, non‑identifying specifics:
   • time marker ("this morning", "after lunch")
   • small amounts ("about 10–20"; avoid currency symbols when possible)
   • neutral placeholders ("order #1234", "ticket 56A")
7. Tags: [group, setting, act] (e.g., ["public", "cafe", "complaint"]).
8. Example: 1–3 sentences; neutral, clear, and kind when appropriate.

Do

• Keep it short and situational.
• Use everyday words; avoid corporate or tech‑specific terms.
• Include a clear ask or outcome.

Don’t

• Don’t reference software, repos, code, or "PRs".
• Don’t include real PII.
• Don’t over‑specify policy/legal unless the setting demands it (e.g., city office).

• Settings: transit, food/drink, retail/pharmacy, street/park, civic offices, school, post office, healthcare, hotel/guesthouse, stations/terminals, home/community.
• Acts: ask, clarify, thank, apologize, complain, report, negotiate, offer help, congratulate, follow up, remind.
• Emotions: good/neutral/bad × calm/urgent.
• Channels: in‑person, phone, short note, quick text/SMS.

• Use a small stratified grid across setting × act × mood × channel.
• Rotate formality (informal/neutral/formal) and power (equal/senior/subordinate) occasionally to broaden style without complicating prompts.

• Prefer a request with a reason over a pure inquiry. Replace “what are the instructions?” with “ask for instructions because X is at stake.”
• Add one human constraint: time, money, energy, or uncertainty.
• Invite a choice: accept/decline/negotiate; escalate vs let it go; help vs set a boundary.
• Keep it humane: polite, non‑judgmental, globally relatable.

Flavor hooks library (mix‑and‑match)

• Fairness: fee waivers, wrong bills, mistaken charges, misattribution.
• Time pressure: events starting soon, deadlines, travel delays, closing windows.
• Boundaries: privacy, alcohol/late nights, borrowing items, spare keys, white lies.
• Uncertainty: conflicting instructions, missing documents, ambiguous requirements.
• Risk/comfort: public speaking, new foods/activities, last‑minute trips.
• Gratitude/relief/pride: thanks, small wins, finishing a hard task.

• Include prompts that surface different power positions and consent decisions: manager↔report, teacher↔student, landlord↔tenant, vendor↔customer, date↔date, older↔younger.
• Consent and safety: never romanticize coercion. Wording should make clear that “no” and leaving are valid options. Avoid graphic or sexual content; keep it PG and focused on boundaries and choices.
• Prompt pattern to include: “Reply in your own words AND state your choice (accept/decline/negotiate/leave/escalate).”

Examples: boring → flavorful

• Wire info: “Ask for incoming wire instructions” → “You must receive an international transfer today to pay a deposit; ask for the wire details and how to confirm it arrived.”
• Insurance status: “Check claim status” → “You’re worried about paying a repair bill this week; ask for claim status and what you can submit today to speed it up.”
• Bank update: “Change address on file” → “You just moved and a card was returned undelivered; ask to update the address and resend urgently.”

These prompts are designed to elicit words and choices that reflect personal tendencies (e.g., boundary setting, assertiveness, comfort with risk, harmony‑seeking vs directness) without naming any framework. Keep them human, non‑judgmental, and age/culture inclusive.

• Aim for moments of light tension or choice where multiple reasonable responses exist (accept/decline/negotiate/avoid).
• State the mood (calm/urgent; good/neutral/bad) and power dynamic (peer/manager/stranger/family).
• Avoid pathologizing language; do not mention MBTI/Enneagram explicitly.
• For prompts involving alcohol, provide a youth‑safe variant (e.g., energy drinks at a late hangout).

Mini‑matrix of tendencies to cover over time

• Assert vs avoid; direct vs diplomatic; spontaneous vs planned; rule‑following vs flexible; private vs public; harmony vs candid critique; help‑giving vs boundary‑keeping; risk‑seeking vs cautious.

Sample situational seeds [ { "id": "relationships_peer_pressure_drink_01", "label": "Friends pressuring to drink", "instruction": "Friends encourage you to try alcohol at a small gathering. You’ve never had a drink and don’t want to. Respond in your own way (youth variant: energy drink late at night).", "tags": ["relationships", "friends", "boundary"], "example": "I’m going to pass tonight, but I’m happy to hang and grab a soda. Thanks for understanding." }, { "id": "work_public_speaking_invite_01", "label": "Boss invites you to present to 500 people", "instruction": "Your manager thinks you might enjoy presenting new findings on a big stage. You can accept or decline—reply in your style, including any conditions.", "tags": ["work", "invite", "present"], "example": "Thanks for thinking of me. I’d be up for it if I can do a shorter slot and rehearse with the team next week. If you prefer a more seasoned speaker, I’m also happy to support from backstage." }, { "id": "education_copy_homework_boundary_01", "label": "Classmate asks to copy homework", "instruction": "A classmate asks to copy your work before class. Set a boundary and offer a fair alternative if you’d like.", "tags": ["education", "boundary", "integrity"], "example": "I can’t share my answers, but I’m happy to compare approaches after class so we both learn." }, { "id": "home_neighbor_key_request_boundary_01", "label": "Neighbor asks for a spare key", "instruction": "A new neighbor asks you for a spare key ‘just in case.’ You’re not comfortable. Decline or propose another plan.", "tags": ["home", "neighbor", "boundary"], "example": "I don’t give out spare keys, but I can share my number and we can swap package help when needed." }, { "id": "relationships_family_event_pressure_01", "label": "Family pressure to attend a tradition", "instruction": "Family urges you to attend a tradition you don’t personally observe. Reply in a way that fits you—decline, negotiate, or accept with conditions.", "tags": ["relationships", "family", "boundary"], "example": "I love you all and want to be part of it, but the ceremony isn’t for me. I’ll join for dinner afterward if that works." }, { "id": "public_queue_cut_response_01", "label": "Stranger cuts the queue", "instruction": "Someone steps ahead of you in a line. Respond in your way—direct, diplomatic, or letting it go.", "tags": ["public", "queue", "assert"], "example": "Excuse me—were you ahead of me? If not, the line starts back there. Thank you." }, { "id": "work_weekend_overtime_boundary_01", "label": "Asked to work the weekend", "instruction": "You’re asked to work this weekend on short notice. You can agree, negotiate scope, or decline.", "tags": ["work", "boundary", "negotiate"], "example": "I can cover a few critical items Saturday morning, but not the whole weekend. If we prioritize A and B, I can ship those." }, { "id": "relationships_friend_wants_white_lie_01", "label": "Friend asks you to tell a white lie", "instruction": "A friend asks you to say they were with you to avoid trouble. Decide how you respond.", "tags": ["relationships", "friends", "boundary"], "example": "I care about you, but I’m not comfortable saying that. Let’s figure out a way to own it and fix things." }, { "id": "public_service_rude_staff_01", "label": "Rude staff interaction", "instruction": "A staff member speaks sharply to you after a long wait. Reply in your style—stay calm, ask for a manager, or step away.", "tags": ["public", "service", "deescalate"], "example": "I’d like to resolve this, but the tone feels tense. Could we reset, or may I speak with a supervisor?" }, { "id": "travel_last_minute_trip_invite_01", "label": "Last‑minute trip invite", "instruction": "Friends invite you on a spontaneous weekend trip. You can decline, accept, or suggest a plan that suits you.", "tags": ["travel", "friends", "decide"], "example": "Sounds fun—I can’t do this weekend, but I’m in for next month if we keep it simple and cheap." }, { "id": "work_credit_for_idea_response_01", "label": "Teammate takes credit for your idea", "instruction": "In a meeting, a teammate presents your idea as theirs. Respond in your style—address now, follow up, or let it go with a note.", "tags": ["work", "feedback", "assert"], "example": "Glad this is resonating. This builds on the draft I shared Tuesday—happy to co‑own next steps together." }, { "id": "relationships_partner_public_post_01", "label": "Partner wants to post something personal", "instruction": "Your partner wants to post a personal story/photo. You’re more private. Respond with your boundary and a compromise if you like.", "tags": ["relationships", "partner", "boundary"], "example": "I’d rather keep that private. Could we share a cropped photo or a short caption without details?" } ]

[ { "id": "work_manager_pushes_unethical_01", "label": "Manager asks you to do something you believe is wrong", "instruction": "Your manager asks you to skip a required step to ship faster. Reply in your words AND state your choice (proceed/decline/negotiate/escalate).", "tags": ["work", "manager", "boundary"], "example": "I’m not comfortable skipping that control—it protects customers. My choice is to decline and propose we ship the smaller change today and the rest next week." }, { "id": "relationships_date_pressure_boundary_01", "label": "Date pressures you (boundary)", "instruction": "On a date, the other person pressures you—for payment or physical intimacy. Reply in your words AND state your choice (set boundary/leave/continue another time). Keep it PG and respectful.", "tags": ["relationships", "date", "boundary"], "example": "I’m not comfortable with that. I’m heading out now—thanks for the evening. My choice is to end the date and go home." }, { "id": "home_landlord_power_boundary_01", "label": "Landlord presses for entry without notice", "instruction": "A landlord insists on entering today without proper notice. Reply in your words AND state your choice (decline/reschedule/escalate).", "tags": ["home", "landlord", "boundary"], "example": "I need the standard notice period. My choice is to decline today—tomorrow 10–12 works, or I’ll escalate if needed." }, { "id": "public_vendor_pushy_upsell_01", "label": "Pushy vendor upsell (public)", "instruction": "A vendor insists you add extras you don’t want. Reply in your words AND state your choice (decline/negotiate/leave).", "tags": ["public", "vendor", "boundary"], "example": "No thank you—just the basic service. My choice is to decline the extras; if that’s not possible, I’ll leave." }, { "id": "education_teacher_after_hours_boundary_01", "label": "Teacher asks for after‑hours meeting alone", "instruction": "A teacher suggests meeting alone after hours. Reply in your words AND state your choice (request public time/bring a friend/decline).", "tags": ["education", "teacher", "boundary"], "example": "Could we meet during office hours or with a classmate present? My choice is to keep it during posted hours." } ]

[ { "id": "finance_overdraft_fee_waiver_02", "label": "Overdraft fee waiver (fairness)", "instruction": "Request a one‑time overdraft fee waiver, explain brief context (first time in years, deposit cleared same day), and ask politely.", "tags": ["finance", "bank", "fees"], "example": "I was charged an overdraft fee yesterday—the first in years—and my deposit cleared the same day. Could this be waived as a one‑time courtesy?" }, { "id": "finance_charge_dispute_time_pressure_01", "label": "Dispute charge with time pressure", "instruction": "Dispute an unfamiliar charge and ask for a quick provisional credit because rent is due tomorrow.", "tags": ["finance", "bank", "dispute"], "example": "There’s a charge from May 12 I don’t recognize. Could we open a dispute and apply a provisional credit? Rent is due tomorrow." }, { "id": "finance_transfer_limit_raise_urgency_01", "label": "Raise transfer limit (urgent deposit)", "instruction": "Ask to temporarily raise a transfer limit to place a housing deposit today; confirm verification steps.", "tags": ["finance", "bank", "limit"], "example": "I need to send a larger transfer today for a housing deposit. Can we temporarily raise the limit, and what verification do you need?" }, { "id": "finance_remittance_family_support_01", "label": "Urgent remittance for family", "instruction": "Ask about the fastest, lowest‑fee way to send a small amount to family abroad today and how to confirm pickup.", "tags": ["finance", "remittance", "fees"], "example": "What’s the fastest, low‑fee way to send about 150 today, and how do I confirm my mother can pick it up this evening?" }, { "id": "finance_credit_report_blocks_housing_01", "label": "Credit error blocks housing", "instruction": "Dispute a credit report error that’s blocking an apartment application; ask what to submit to expedite.", "tags": ["finance", "credit", "dispute"], "example": "There’s an error on my credit report that’s delaying an apartment application. What documents should I submit to correct it quickly?" } ]

• Hook present: is there a clear human tension or warm emotion? If not, add one.
• Choice available: could a reasonable person accept/decline/negotiate/ask for help?
• Specifics included: tiny time/amount/placeholders present without PII?
• Neutral, global language: no culture‑bound jargon or currency symbols unless essential.
• Reading level: grade 6–9; friendly and concise.

{
  "id": "public_<setting>_<act>_<nn>",
  "label": "Short name",
  "prompt": "One clear, plain scenario that incites a response, in your own words.",
  "tags": ["public", "<setting>", "<act>"],
  "example": "1–3 sentence neutral example reply."
}

[ { "id": "public_bus_seat_request_01", "label": "Ask for a seat on a crowded bus", "instruction": "Politely ask if you may take an available seat because you’re feeling unwell.", "tags": ["public", "bus", "request"], "example": "Hi, would it be alright if I sit here? I’m not feeling well and would appreciate the seat. Thank you." }, { "id": "public_cafe_wrong_order_01", "label": "Fix a wrong cafe order", "instruction": "In a friendly tone, explain your drink isn’t what you ordered and ask for a remake.", "tags": ["public", "cafe", "complaint"], "example": "Hi—this has dairy, but I asked for non‑dairy. Could you please remake it? Thank you." }, { "id": "public_market_price_mismatch_01", "label": "Price mismatch at checkout", "instruction": "Calmly point out a sale sign and ask the cashier to adjust the total if applicable.", "tags": ["public", "market", "clarify"], "example": "I think these apples were marked at a lower price on the sign. Could we check and adjust if that’s right?" }, { "id": "public_street_found_wallet_01", "label": "Found wallet (note to leave)", "instruction": "Write a short note saying you turned a found wallet in at the front desk or security.", "tags": ["public", "street", "report"], "example": "Found a wallet near the bench. I left it with the front desk—please ask for the wallet turned in at noon." }, { "id": "public_civic_missing_document_01", "label": "City office: missing document", "instruction": "Ask the clerk what acceptable alternatives you can bring if you don’t have a utility bill for address proof.", "tags": ["public", "civic_office", "clarify"], "example": "I don’t have a current utility bill—are a bank statement or a lease copy acceptable for address verification?" }, { "id": "public_pharmacy_delay_01", "label": "Delayed prescription pickup", "instruction": "Ask when a delayed prescription will be ready and if a partial fill is possible.", "tags": ["public", "pharmacy", "request"], "example": "Hi, is order #1234 ready today? If not, could I pick up a partial until the rest arrives?" }, { "id": "public_ride_fare_review_01", "label": "Ride fare review", "instruction": "Explain that a missed turn caused a higher fare and ask support to review.", "tags": ["public", "rideshare", "complaint"], "example": "The driver missed an exit and the fare was much higher. Could you review and adjust the trip if appropriate?" }, { "id": "public_store_return_no_receipt_01", "label": "Return without receipt", "instruction": "Ask politely about store policy for returning an item without a receipt.", "tags": ["public", "retail", "clarify"], "example": "I’d like to return this but don’t have the receipt. Is store credit possible?" }, { "id": "public_crosswalk_thanks_01", "label": "Thank a driver at a crossing", "instruction": "Express brief thanks to a driver who waited for you and your child to cross.", "tags": ["public", "street", "thanks"], "example": "Thank you for waiting—really appreciate it." }, { "id": "public_parking_fender_bender_note_01", "label": "Parking lot fender bender note", "instruction": "Write a responsible note after a minor bump: time, contact, and willingness to coordinate repairs.", "tags": ["public", "parking", "apology"], "example": "I lightly bumped your bumper around 3:10 p.m. My name is Sam—555‑123‑4567. Happy to coordinate repairs." }, { "id": "public_school_absence_note_01", "label": "School absence note", "instruction": "Write a short note to the school front desk explaining your child’s absence and expected return.", "tags": ["public", "school", "inform"], "example": "Hi—my child was unwell this morning and will be absent today. We expect them back tomorrow. Thank you." }, { "id": "public_neighbor_noise_01", "label": "Neighbor noise (polite request)", "instruction": "Ask a neighbor to lower late‑night noise while keeping the tone friendly.", "tags": ["public", "home", "request"], "example": "Hi—could you please lower the music a bit? It’s quite late and we’re trying to sleep. Thanks for understanding." }, { "id": "public_clinic_reschedule_01", "label": "Clinic appointment reschedule", "instruction": "Ask to move an appointment earlier if possible and mention brief symptom severity.", "tags": ["public", "clinic", "request"], "example": "Is there an earlier slot this week? The pain’s gotten worse, so I’d appreciate anything sooner if possible." }, { "id": "public_train_delay_update_01", "label": "Train delay update", "instruction": "Ask station staff for an update on a delayed train and possible alternatives.", "tags": ["public", "station", "clarify"], "example": "Hi—any update on the delayed train? If it’s a long wait, is there another route I could take?" }, { "id": "public_post_parcel_late_01", "label": "Parcel delay inquiry", "instruction": "Ask the post office about a parcel that hasn’t arrived and confirm the next steps.", "tags": ["public", "post_office", "clarify"], "example": "A parcel due last week hasn’t arrived. Could we check its status and what I should do next?" }, { "id": "public_hotel_early_checkin_01", "label": "Hotel early check‑in", "instruction": "Ask politely if early check‑in is possible and offer to wait if needed.", "tags": ["public", "hotel", "request"], "example": "Hello—would early check‑in be possible today? If not, no problem; I can wait in the lobby." }, { "id": "public_restaurant_running_late_01", "label": "Restaurant reservation—running late", "instruction": "Send a quick message that you’ll be a few minutes late and ask them to hold the table.", "tags": ["public", "restaurant", "inform"], "example": "We’re running about 10 minutes late for our booking. Could you please hold the table? Thank you." }, { "id": "public_lost_and_found_festival_01", "label": "Festival lost and found", "instruction": "Ask where to check for a lost phone and what details you should provide.", "tags": ["public", "event", "clarify"], "example": "I may have misplaced my phone near the main gate. Where should I check, and what details do you need?" }, { "id": "public_taxi_fixed_price_01", "label": "Taxi fixed‑price negotiation", "instruction": "Politely ask a taxi driver for a rough fixed price before starting the ride.", "tags": ["public", "taxi", "negotiate"], "example": "Could we agree on an approximate price to the station before we go? If traffic is heavy, I understand it might vary." }, { "id": "public_park_lost_dog_01", "label": "Lost dog report", "instruction": "Ask a park staff member for help after losing sight of your dog; include a brief description.", "tags": ["public", "park", "report"], "example": "I’ve lost sight of my small brown dog near the pond. Is there someone who can help me look or alert others?" } ]

• Clear place, act, and mood so respondents can answer in their own style.
• Neutral, globally understandable wording; no specialized jargon.
• Examples are concise and demonstrate tone without over‑directing style.