Jobs change, postcodes shift, and suddenly your favourite catch‑ups with your favourite people involve time zones rather than tables. But that doesn’t mean that closeness has to disappear just because the miles rack up! Shared moments matter now more than ever, and a little planning can turn a screen into a place where friendships still feel easy and familiar. The best bits come from doing something together, so get your planning hats out!

*Disclosure – this is a collaborative post

1.   Virtual movie nights

The classic! A virtual movie night works because it’s simple without demanding much effort at all. You agree on a film or series, press play at the same moment, and let the chat do the rest. Some people like a running group message for live commentary, others prefer a video call on mute with captions on, faces lighting up at the same scenes. There’s no right way, just whatever keeps the flow feeling natural. Take turns picking what to watch, maybe set a theme for the month, or revisit something you all loved years ago. Nostalgia is a bit motivator. Oh, and snacks of course!

Make it regular if you can. A fortnightly slot gives everyone something to look forward to and takes the pressure off constant messaging. Miss a week? No drama. The point is having a shared ritual that fits around real life, not another obligation on the calendar.

2.   Play some games

A bit of playful rivalry is never misplaced! Multiplayer versions of games make it very easy to gather people who might never otherwise be free at the same time. Digital board games, quiz platforms, card games, and even classics like bingo or word games all translate well to screens.

The key is keeping things light! If you’re both not avid gamers, pick games with simple rules so no one feels left behind, and don’t overpack the evening. One or two options is plenty. It’s about the chatter around the game as much as the game itself, so leave space for conversation to wander.

3.   Music sessions

Do you already have a shared playlist? If not, what are you waiting for! Drop in new songs whenever you find them and grow it bit by bit. Old favourites resurface. New artists appear from nowhere. Suddenly you’ve got talking points without having planned any. And then, sit together and give it a listen!

The joy is in how low‑key it feels. You can listen while cooking, folding laundry, or winding down after work. It’s a connection that fits around real life, not the other way round. And over time, those playlists become little time capsules, capturing phases of your friendship. Maybe you can create new ones dedicated to the two of you every year?

Some things don’t need a screen

Not every long‑distance moment has to revolve around logging in at the same time, though. Why not start the day with the same morning walk and swap voice notes after? Or maybe cook the same recipe on a Sunday evening, sending photos of how it turned out, successes and disasters included? The trick is choosing something repeatable and relaxed. It should slot into routines you already have, not demand a whole new schedule. That’s what keeps it sustainable.

These small habits often lead to deeper chats than big, planned events. Without the pressure of “catching up properly”, conversations wander into more interesting places. You end up talking because you want to, not because you booked it in. Distance still exists, but it feels less important when you’re sharing ordinary moments in parallel.