Friendship inevitably involves feelings.

Usually because you have more scenarios with friends, soul mates, partners etc or have to go deeper that might test you or encourage new ground for discovering each others feelings / preferences / awareness etc).

(imagine a game map for the first time which is dark until you go there and realise what that part of the friendship is about and even learning together what you're not sure of about that part of the map).

The pain of being friends is a positive opportunity of learning more (about each other, the scenario etc).

Being distance friends might seem 'less painful' but is not further in learning or finding those that can deal with imperfection and even make it fit perfectly between 2 or more persons.