People who can maintain friendships even when living far away tend to have these 9 character traits

Friendships are a wonderful thing. They enrich our lives and provide us with shared experiences and memories. But what about those friendships that endure, even when miles apart? What makes these people able to maintain these connections over distance?

It’s not just about being able to pick up the phone or send a quick text, it’s something deeper: certain character traits that make all the difference.

Those who can maintain long-distance friendships tend to have specific qualities, nine to be exact, which allow them to keep their connections strong.

Let’s dive into those character traits that make some people masters of long-distance friendships.

1) Excellent communication skills

Maintaining a friendship across a distance is no easy feat. You can’t just pop over to their house or meet for coffee. The main channel you have is communication.

People who can maintain long-distance friendships are often excellent communicators. They understand the importance of regular check-ins and how a simple text or call can keep the bond strong.

But it’s not just about frequency, it’s also about quality. They know how to share their lives and experiences in a way that makes their friends feel included, despite the distance.

They also know how to listen, showing genuine interest in their friend’s life. They ask questions, provide support, and engage in deep conversations.

This trait ensures that even when miles apart, they remain close at heart.

2) Empathy

Empathy is a key characteristic that I’ve noticed in those who maintain long-distance friendships successfully. These individuals have a genuine understanding and sensitivity towards their friend’s feelings and experiences.

Let me share an example from my life. My friend, Sarah, and I have been living in different countries for over five years now. Despite the distance and time zones, we’ve kept our friendship close to heart.

I remember once when I was going through a particularly difficult time. Even from thousands of miles away, Sarah seemed to understand exactly what I was feeling. She listened, acknowledged my emotions, and offered comfort in the best way she could. It was her empathy that made me feel understood and less alone.

That’s what empathy does in long-distance friendships. It bridges the distance and makes you feel connected on a deeper level. So, it’s no wonder that empathy is a common trait among people who can maintain friendships even when living far away.

3) Patience

In a world where instant gratification has become the norm, patience might seem like an old-fashioned virtue. But in the realm of long-distance friendships, patience is crucial.

This is due to the simple fact that maintaining connections over distance inherently involves delays. Time zones can complicate scheduling calls, responses to messages might not be immediate, and plans to meet up can take months or even years to come to fruition.

Interestingly, researchers found that patience was among the top traits for successful long-term relationships, including friendships. This quality allows individuals to deal with the inevitable ups and downs that come with distance, making them more resilient and keeping their friendships strong.

4) Flexibility

Having a flexible mindset is another trait that comes in handy when maintaining long-distance friendships. This goes beyond just being able to adapt to different time zones or schedules. It’s about being open to changes and understanding that the dynamics of friendship can evolve over time.

People who excel at maintaining friendships from afar know that their relationship might not look exactly like it did when they lived close to each other, and that’s okay. They might not talk every day or share every detail about their lives, but they are okay with that.

They understand that the value of a friendship isn’t measured by how often you talk or hang out. Instead, it’s about the strength of the bond you share. This flexibility allows them to navigate the challenges of distance without letting it strain their friendship.

In essence, being flexible helps them to focus on the quality of the relationship, rather than getting hung up on how things “used to be.”

5) Loyalty

Loyalty is a cornerstone trait in any friendship, but it becomes even more vital when distance is involved. People who can maintain long-distance friendships have a strong sense of loyalty to their friends.

They stick by their friends through thick and thin, always ready to support and stand up for them, even when they’re not physically present. They resist the temptation to let new friendships or relationships diminish the importance of their long-distance friend.

Moreover, they honor the trust placed in them and avoid betraying confidences. They understand that trust is hard to regain once it’s broken, especially in a long-distance friendship where you can’t smooth things over face-to-face.

6) Genuine care

Having genuine care for your friend is the heart of any strong friendship, and it’s no different for those that span across miles. People who can maintain long-distance friendships hold a deep and authentic concern for their friend’s well-being.

Their care extends beyond the usual “how are you” texts. They take the time to remember and inquire about their friend’s important life events, challenges, and joys. They genuinely rejoice in their friend’s successes and offer comfort during tough times.

This genuine care creates a warmth that can be felt across continents. It assures their friend that they are loved and valued, not for what they can offer, but for who they are. This heartfelt bond becomes a source of strength and comfort, making the miles between them seem insignificant.

7) Optimism

Optimism is a powerful trait in maintaining long-distance friendships. It’s the ability to look at the bright side, to see the glass half full rather than half empty.

I’ve lived in different countries throughout my adult life, and I’ve learned that optimism is what makes the difference when it comes to maintaining friendships over distance. There were times when I missed my friends terribly, when I wished we could just meet up for coffee or a movie like old times. But then, I would remind myself of the positive aspects.

I realized that distance had given us the opportunity to grow individually while still being part of each other’s lives. We were experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, and broadening our horizons, but we were doing it together, in a way. Our conversations became more meaningful, our bond stronger.

8) Understanding

Understanding is a trait that cannot be overlooked when it comes to maintaining long-distance friendships. People who excel at this understand that there will be missed calls, delayed replies, and periods of silence. They recognize that their friend has a life full of responsibilities and commitments, just like they do.

Instead of taking these things personally, they give their friend the benefit of the doubt. They don’t hold grudges or let misunderstandings fester. Instead, they choose to communicate openly and resolve issues amicably.

This understanding nature fosters a non-judgmental space where both friends feel free to be themselves without the fear of being misunderstood or criticized unfairly.

9) Commitment

At the core of every long-distance friendship that stands the test of time, you’ll find a strong sense of commitment. This is the unwavering decision to stay connected, irrespective of the distance or time apart.

People who can maintain long-distance friendships know that it’s not always going to be easy. There will be challenges, misunderstandings, and times when the distance feels too great. But they also know that their friendship is worth fighting for.

Their commitment is what drives them to make the extra effort – to stay up late for a phone call despite the time difference, to remember important dates, and to keep their friend involved in their life.

This level of commitment sends a clear message: “You are important to me. No matter where life takes us, you can count on me.” And there’s no stronger foundation for a friendship than that.

Endnote: The power of connection

The beauty of human connections lies in their ability to transcend physical barriers. Our ability to maintain friendships, even when separated by miles, is a testament to this.

In an increasingly globalized world where physical distance is often a reality, these nine character traits can serve as guiding principles for maintaining our friendships.

Remember, it’s not just about staying in touch. It’s about nurturing the bond, showing genuine care, and being committed no matter the distance. It’s about understanding that the essence of friendship isn’t bound by geographical proximity but by the depth of connection between two hearts.

Isabella Chase

Isabella Chase, a New York City native, writes about the complexities of modern life and relationships. Her articles draw from her experiences navigating the vibrant and diverse social landscape of the city. Isabella’s insights are about finding harmony in the chaos and building strong, authentic connections in a fast-paced world.

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