The secret of instant likeability

Study: Brooks, A.W., Dai, H. & Schweitzer, M.E. (2013). I’m Sorry About the Rain! Superfluous Apologies Demonstrate Empathic Concern and Increase Trust. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 5, 467–474.

Based on the following research: Rui (Juliet) Zhu & Jennifer J. Argo, 2013. "Exploring the Impact of Various Shaped Seating Arrangements on Persuasion," Journal of Consumer Research, Oxford University Press, vol. 40(2), 336 - 349.

The presenter and producers not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information presented in this video and this information is not intended to be a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional.

[Nuuu]

me at job interview
“Im sorry about the rain.”
“Its not raining.”
“Im sorry about that too.”

[rielle-nette]

Moral: Don’t make friends when it is not raining.

[JojoTheVulture]

"I'm sorry about the rain"
"Why are you sorry?"
"can I borrow your phone?"
"In the rain?"

[kanchan]

Lecturer : introduce yourself to the class
Me : I’m sorry about the rain
The class : 👁👄👁 ❓

[karuryi]

“I’m sorry about the rain!”
“We’re indoors?”
“I said, *I’m sorry about the rain* .”

[bepisthebenis]

Yeah as an ER nurse saying something like “I’m so sorry it took so long to get you back here! I know you’ve been out there for close to 5 hours now” does an overpowered job at dropping tensions and increasing cooperation

[samiulfahim]

Mom - "You failed in your exam again!!"
Son- "Mom, I'm sorry about the rain."
Mom - "So proud of you, son."

[random_user]

“I’m sorry about the rain.”
“What? But the sky is clear—“
*”i said i’m sorry about the rain”*

[GMMReviews]

"Sorry about the rain!"
"...it's snowing?"
"That's not under my control.. I'm sorry"

[Mehra]

It stems from relatability, understanding the stress of something out of everyone’s control and acknowledging it makes them think, “oh we’re both stressed about this, we’re alike” in a simplified sense, so they automatically put themselves into your shoes without even thinking whether or not they trust you, which is a key part of trust, not having to think twice about someone

[ACringyUserName]

When its a sunny day: "Im sorry about the sun, could you rain so i have friends?"
The clouds: "y e s h e r e i s s o m e w a t e r f o r y o u"

[realbrhancitygeming]

"sorry about the phone"
"can i borrow your rain"

[athenaisthename]

Me: "Sorry about the rain."
Person: "It's not raining."
Me: "... Can I have your phone number?"

[jknMEMES]

- I'm sorry about the rain.
- Wtf are you talking about?
- Can we do the seggs now?

[ZayneKenshiro]

*Me, walking up to a complete stranger in a clear blue morning sky:*
Yo man, I'm sorry about the rain. Can I borrow your car?

[EtamirTheDemiDeer]

“I’m sorry about the rain”
“It’s not raining”
*”YET”*

[JJ-xsst]

“Sorry that you had to see my horrific face, can i-“
“I am too.”

[cherise]

me who apologizes for everything: this my time to shine i’ve been waiting so long 😼

[bartho]

I love how this comment section is full of jokes with the "I'm sorry about the rain" line

[legallydeaf]

"I'm sorry."
"Stop apologizing."
"I'm sorry about that too."