8 traits of people who become closer to their parents in adulthood, according to psychology

If your mom or dad calls, you’re quick to pick up. If they need something, you’re there in a heartbeat. While not everyone can say the same, some of us grow closer to our parents as we age.

The human mind and our relationships are a fascinating puzzle. Some people seem to naturally deepen these bonds, displaying eight distinct traits.

This isn’t about the occasional Sunday dinner or holiday visit. It’s about a deep, meaningful connection that strengthens with time. 

Curious to know what makes these individuals stand out? Let’s dive in.

1) Superior communication skills

Conversations can be tricky business.

We’ve all had those moments where we struggle to express our thoughts, or to comprehend what someone else is trying to convey. But there are some who effortlessly navigate these verbal mazes.

People who become closer to their parents in adulthood tend to have superior communication skills. They’re not just good with words, but they’re also great listeners. They understand that communication isn’t just about talking, but about listening, empathizing, and responding appropriately.

When their parents speak, they don’t just hear – they listen. And when they respond, they do so with respect and understanding, creating a safe space for open dialogue.

This ability to communicate effectively is what breaks down barriers and builds stronger relationships, not just with parents but also in their professional lives. It’s a trait that makes them stand out in personal conversations and business meetings alike.

Intriguing, isn’t it?

Being an effective communicator isn’t about having the gift of the gab. It’s about understanding and being understood. And this understanding forms the foundation for deeper connections – with parents and beyond.

2) A knack for patience

Patience, they say, is a virtue. And let me tell you, it’s a virtue that has served me well in my relationships, especially with my parents.

I remember this one incident with my dad. He’s always been a bit of a technophobe, and one day he decided to venture into the world of smartphones. The ordeal of teaching him how to use it was… let’s just say it was a test of patience.

There were times when I wanted to just do it for him, but I realized that he’d never learn that way. So I sat with him, day after day, explaining, guiding, and sometimes just watching him fumble around.

It wasn’t easy. There were moments of frustration and plenty of deep breaths taken. But seeing the joy on his face when he finally managed to send his first text – it made all the patience worthwhile.

People who grow closer to their parents in adulthood have this knack for patience. They understand that their parents come from a different generation with different experiences and perspectives.

They are patient with their habits, their resistance to change, and their pace of learning.

This patience extends beyond their relationship with their parents too. It helps them in dealing with challenging situations at work or in business, making them more resilient and understanding.

So yes, patience is indeed a virtue – one that can strengthen bonds and smooth out bumps on the road of life.

3) Emotional maturity

Emotional maturity is a trait that’s not often talked about, but it plays a crucial role in building strong relationships. And when it comes to forming deeper connections with parents in adulthood, it’s a game-changer.

Individuals who are emotionally mature can handle difficult situations with grace and composure. They can navigate emotional highs and lows without losing their balance. They appreciate the difference between reacting and responding, and they choose to do the latter.

For instance, instead of getting upset when their parents don’t agree with them, they try to understand their perspective. They’re able to put aside their ego, engage in a mature conversation, and sometimes, agree to disagree.

This emotional maturity also plays a part in their professional lives. It equips them to manage stress better and maintain a positive work environment, even when things get tough.

And here’s something you might find interesting – according to a study, emotional maturity is positively correlated with life satisfaction. So not only does it help in nurturing relationships, but it also contributes to overall happiness and well-being.

Emotional maturity – it’s more than just dealing with emotions. It’s about understanding them, managing them, and using them to build stronger bonds and lead a satisfying life.

4) Strong sense of responsibility

Responsibility is not just about doing what’s expected of us. It’s about stepping up, taking the lead and doing what needs to be done, even when it’s not expected.

People who develop closer relationships with their parents in adulthood often have a strong sense of responsibility. They don’t see helping their parents as an obligation, but rather as something they willingly take on.

Whether it’s helping them with technology, accompanying them to medical appointments, or simply spending time chatting about their day, these individuals show up. They’re there for their parents, not out of duty, but out of love and respect.

This sense of responsibility also translates into other areas of their life. At work or in their own businesses, they’re often the ones who take initiative, who aren’t afraid to take on new challenges and who can be relied upon when things get tough.

In a world where it’s easy to shirk responsibility, these individuals stand out. They understand that being responsible isn’t just about doing a task; it’s about being dependable and showing care – for their parents, for their work and for the people around them.

5) An appreciation for the past

Now, I’ve always been a bit of a history buff. Maybe it’s because I believe that our past shapes our present and our future. Or maybe it’s because I find stories from the past absolutely fascinating.

Either way, this love for history has helped me connect with my parents on a deeper level. I’ve spent countless hours listening to their tales from the “good old days”. Their stories of how they met, what life was like when they were my age, their struggles, their triumphs – it’s like a living history lesson.

People who grow closer to their parents in adulthood often share this appreciation for the past. They understand that their parents are a treasure trove of stories and experiences, and they take the time to listen and learn from them.

This appreciation extends beyond their family history too. They value traditions, they learn from past mistakes, and they use these lessons to shape their present and future.

So yes, I believe in appreciating the past – not just as a means to understand history, but also as a way to understand ourselves and the people we care about. Because as much as we are shaped by our present, we’re also products of our past.

6) Being comfortable with distance

Now, this may seem a little odd. After all, we’re talking about people who grow closer to their parents in adulthood. But bear with me.

Being comfortable with distance isn’t about physical miles or time zones. It’s about emotional boundaries. It’s about respecting personal space and understanding that closeness doesn’t necessarily mean being involved in every aspect of each other’s lives.

People who strengthen their bond with their parents during adulthood often master this delicate balance. They can share, connect, and be there for their parents without overstepping boundaries or becoming overly dependent.

This healthy distance allows both parties to maintain their individuality and independence while still fostering a deep, meaningful relationship.

And it’s not just applicable to parent-child relationships. This understanding of boundaries can also be a significant asset in professional settings, where maintaining the right distance can lead to better teamwork and mutual respect.

So yes, sometimes, being closer means being comfortable with distance. It’s about understanding that closeness is less about proximity and more about respect, understanding, and emotional connection.

7) Adaptability

Life is unpredictable. It’s full of twists and turns, and the ability to adapt to these changes is crucial.

People who become closer to their parents in adulthood display a high level of adaptability. They understand that as their parents age, their roles might need to be adjusted.

They’re ready to step up and offer support when their parents need it, even if it means changing their routines or making sacrifices.

They also understand that their relationship with their parents will evolve over time. What used to be a parent-child dynamic may transform into more of a friendship as they grow older.

This adaptability isn’t limited to their personal life. In the rapidly changing world of work and business, being adaptable is a significant asset.

It allows them to stay ahead, embrace new technologies, and navigate changes with ease.

Adaptability – it’s not just about surviving changes. It’s about thriving amidst them, in personal relationships and professional endeavors alike.

8) Genuine respect

At the core of every strong relationship lies a fundamental element – respect.

People who become closer to their parents in adulthood have a deep and genuine respect for them. They appreciate their wisdom, acknowledge their experiences, and value their advice.

They recognize their parents’ strengths and weaknesses, and see them as individuals, not just as their mother or father.

This respect transcends their conversations and interactions. It’s reflected in the way they speak about their parents, the way they consider their opinions, and the way they care for them.

Genuine respect – it’s the cornerstone of any meaningful relationship. Without it, all other traits lose their significance. But with it, even the most complex dynamics can transform into beautiful relationships.

Final reflections

As we come to the end of this journey, it’s worth pondering over the profound connection between parents and their adult children.

It’s not just about shared genes or familial bonds. It’s about mutual respect, understanding, and love that transcends the typical parent-child relationship.

These eight traits – superior communication skills, patience, emotional maturity, a strong sense of responsibility, an appreciation for the past, comfort with distance, adaptability, and genuine respect – they aren’t just traits.

They’re gateways to deeper connections, not just with our parents but with everyone we interact with.

The measure of a relationship lies not in the good times shared, but in how we treat and respect each other during challenging times.

So take a moment and reflect. How do you relate to your parents? Do you see these traits in yourself?

And if not, remember – it’s never too late to build bridges and nurture relationships. After all, every day offers new opportunities for growth, connection, and understanding.

And perhaps most importantly, remember to cherish these relationships.

For as George Washington once said, “My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother.”