Can Trust Be Formed From Afar?
- Dr. Meesha
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Heeeeyyyy Friends!
I am fascinated about how people form trusted relationships with others. This topic interests me so much that I studied and wrote a 155 page dissertation on this exact topic. I've learned that what I've found to be easy, many find challenging. Here's the catch: trust is formed in every mini-interaction you hold with others. To make this visual, think of a jar and a stack of marbles, every time you engage with a person positively a marble is added to your jar, yet if the engagement is negative they take a marble away from your jar.
What is fascinating is that trust can be easily broken. It's not as simple as adding or taking away a marble. Multiple withdrawals from the trust jar, with limited additions, will break trust faster than you can blink so it's important to be cognizant of your additions and subtractions.
This week I experienced something new; it was recognition for doing what I deem simple tasks with my graduate students. I later learned that what was simple for me, was more impactful for them. If you're interested in learning more about trust especially when working virtually with others, stay for a while and read the next section. I share tips that worked wonders for me and I now see that it worked wonders for them too.
This week, I received an incredible honor: an award from my university recognizing faculty who've made a significant impact on graduate students. What makes this recognition particularly special is that many of the students who nominated me were individuals I taught, mentored, and guided entirely online.
Their thoughtful words reminded me of a powerful truth: Meaningful relationships don’t require physical proximity; they require presence, intention, and care.
In a world where so many of our interactions happen virtually, some people fear that connection feels distant, forced, or less “real.” But if my students’ journeys have taught me anything, it’s that positive relationships can flourish in any space: Zoom rooms, email threads, learning portals, and even quick text check-ins. The impact doesn’t diminish. It grows wherever it’s nurtured.
Whether you're an educator, mentor, leader, or simply someone who wants to strengthen relationships in your personal or professional life, here are strategies that helped me grow strong bonds from miles away.
Lead With Authentic Presence By Being Fully Present
Turn on your camera when appropriate.
Silence distractions.
Listen actively and without interruption.
Acknowledge what others share so they feel seen and understood.
Personalize Your Communication To Show People They Matter
Refer back to things the person previously mentioned.
Send a quick, individualized note celebrating progress or effort.
Use names often to foster connection.
Create a Safe Space for Dialogue So Others Feel Heard, Not Judged
Make space in meetings for personal check-ins.
Encourage vulnerability by modeling it yourself.
Be Consistent With your Follow-Through Because Reliability Builds Credibility
Respond within a reasonable time window (24 - 48 hours).
Share updates proactively.
Follow through on commitments, whether big or small.
Infuse Humanity Into Your Spaces Because It's Ok to Show Compassion
Share your own learning experiences and growth moments.
Let people see your personality and values.
Offer grace and understanding when life gets hard.
Why This Matters
Receiving this award was a humbling reminder that impact has no boundaries. You don’t need to be in the same room to influence someone’s journey. You don’t need a handshake or a hallway conversation to change a life. The heart of connection lies in intention, authenticity, and care; these are all qualities that travel despite the distance. If anything, this honor reinforces my belief that every interaction matters. That the words we share, the grace we offer, and the way we choose to show up, even on a screen, can create ripples far beyond what we imagine.
Talk soon!
Dr. Meesha
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