Which type of rapport occurs when two parties are brought closer by a common association?

• A. Rapport by chance
• B. Rapport by similarity
• C. Rapport by shared goals
• D. Formal rapport

Answer: (A)

Rapport by chance forms when two people discover a mutual link or common association that brings them closer. This shared tie—such as knowing the same person, belonging to the same group, or sharing a background—creates a familiar feeling and lowers social distance, making the conversation feel more comfortable and trustworthy right away. It’s about a spontaneous connection that emerges from a shared context, not from deliberate similarity or aligned goals. In contrast, rapport by similarity comes from shared traits, rapport by shared goals from common objectives, and formal rapport from structured, professional interaction. So the description fits rapport by chance.