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This paper explores new possibilities for social interaction between a human user and a robot with an abstract shape. The social interaction takes place by simulating behaviors such as submissiveness and dominance and analyzing the corresponding human reactions. We used an object that has no resemblance with human features in its shape or expression mode, in order to exclude the effect of these features on the human behavior. An intelligent walk-in closet was made to behave either dominantly or submissively using lighting effects. The behaviors of the closet were rated by participants using the Bem Sex Role Inventory in a pilot study, resulting in the selection of one submissive and one dominant lighting behavior for the closet. Participants' personality was measured using the Social Dominance Orientation questionnaire. These data were then compared to measurements of user satisfaction and feelings of …