Why we connect with others better when they're vulnerable

Research shows we feel more comfortable around people who are vulnerable because they seem authentic. When we recognize someone as being inauthentic or "putting on airs", it makes us uncomfortable and we feel less connected to them.

This seems to come from a basis of trust.

It's not just other people's inauthenticity that we don't like. We actually get exhausted from the effort of hiding our true feelings when we're not authentic. We're also more prone to making mistakes when we spend energy on acting cheerful if we're actually tired or frustrated.