Usually, we assume making mistakes is bad. We go to great lengths to avoid screwing up. But assuming we’re generally solid and competent, it actually works the other way.1 The blunder has the magical effect of enhancing the attractiveness of the competent contestant. Why? Aronson and his colleagues conclude that the coffee incident made the contestant more human, more approachable. He’s still impressive but no longer intimidating. It takes him from being superhuman to human, and therefore more attractive. We like people more when they’re imperfect.
