Watch, Play or Cook Together Online
Thirty-two easy ways to watch, play or cook together online, shared activities that make faraway friends feel near.
Doing things together bridges distance. Same activity, different homes.
27 tips that really help
These ideas come from The Good Life (Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz), Friends (Robin Dunbar), Platonic (Marisa Franco), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Shared activity helps
When friends do something together online, conversation flows naturally and the evening feels like being in the same room.
Try one.
Watch a film together
Use a watch-party tool or press play at the same time. Chat by voice or text.
Pick a film.
Play online games
Board games, card games, quizzes and puzzles online. Play for fun, not to win.
Choose a game.
Cook the same recipe
Choose a recipe, shop and cook together on video. Eat together.
Cook together.
Do a workout or yoga
Follow the same video and chat after. Movement bonds.
Move together.
Read together
Read the same book and share thoughts. Online book clubs work.
Pick a book.
Craft together
Knit, draw or build. Show progress on camera.
Craft.
Take a virtual tour
Visit a museum or a city online. Explore together.
Explore.
Check your tech
Test sound and sync first. Smooth tech saves frustration.
Test.
Set a regular time
A weekly date night keeps momentum. Add it to calendars.
Schedule.
Prepare snacks
Treats make it cosy. Prepare in advance.
Plan snacks.
Debrief afterwards
Chat for ten minutes about the activity. Share highlights.
Chat.
Script: proposing
Shall we watch a film together tonight on a call? Say it brightly.
Use it.
Script: starting
Ready? Press play on three, two, one. Say it cheerfully.
Use it.
Script: sharing
This part always makes me laugh, wait for it. Say it playfully.
Use it.
Script: playing
Your turn, good luck! Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: closing
Thanks for a lovely evening, same time next week? Say it sincerely.
Use it.
Mistake: making it competitive
Keep it friendly, so play for fun.
Relax.
Mistake: planning too late at night
Fatigue spoils joy, so pick fair times.
Choose well.
Troubleshoot: when sync is off
Count down together and use voice chat. Or choose games.
Adapt.
Troubleshoot: when time zones clash
Use a weekend slot and rotate who stays up. Share it.
Rotate.
Troubleshoot: when your friend dislikes games
Try cooking, films or walking calls. Find what fits.
Experiment.
Troubleshoot: when you run out of ideas
Search lists of online activities. Ask friends for ideas.
Search.
Troubleshoot: when costs add up
Use free tools and simple recipes. Fun is free.
Go cheap.
Drill: plan one online activity
Plan one online activity with a friend this month. Pick a date.
Plan.
Drill: make an ideas list
List ten online things to do together. Pick one.
List.
Drill: try a cook-along
Cook the same simple recipe on video this month. Enjoy.
Try.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.
“Shall we watch a film together tonight?”
“Press play on three.”
“This part is so funny.”
“Your turn!”
“Thanks for a lovely evening.”
“Same time next week?”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Pick an activity
Pick a platform
Test tech
Set a time
Prepare snacks
Chat during
Debrief after
Further reading
- The Good Life (Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz)
- Friends (Robin Dunbar)
- Platonic (Marisa Franco)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “How to Maintain Friendships”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Video Calls With PurposeNext: Send Letters, Cards and Surprises →
- Why Good Friendships Fade Without a Fight
- Time, Distance and Busy Seasons
- Life Stages and Friend Drift
- The Silence Spiral
- Why It Is Never Too Late to Reconnect
- Friendship Needs Maintenance Like Anything Else
- What Long Friendships Have in Common
- The Five-Minute Check-In
- Share Something That Made You Think of Them
- React to Their Posts Meaningfully
- Send a Voice Note on Your Walk
- Keep a Standing Weekly Call
- The Birthday Habit
- Gratitude Messages for No Reason
- The Annual Trip or Reunion
- Monthly Dinner or Game Night
- Holiday Traditions With Friends
- Book Clubs and Shared Projects
- Walk-and-Talk Dates
- Create a Friend Group Chat Worth Keeping
- Celebrate Milestones Together
- Make Time Zones Work
- Video Calls With Purpose
- Watch, Play or Cook Together Online
- Send Letters, Cards and Surprises
- Plan Visits Well in Advance
- Make Every Reunion Count
- Keep the Daily Life Connection
- Reach Out After a Long Silence
- Apologise Sincerely and Simply
- Forgive Without Forgetting Yourself
- Resolve a Misunderstanding
- Rebuild After a Disagreement
- Make Peace With Friends Who Have Changed
- Nurture a Circle, Not Just a Few People
- Make New Friends at Every Age
- Be a Friend to Older and Younger People
- Leave Room for Change
- Let Go Kindly When You Must
- Your Lifelong Friendship Plan
