Managing time differences is both a blessing and a curse

Taking part in a virtual quiz with relatives from across the pond was a strange experience, writes Holly Baxter. My partner and I had just rolled out of bed and they were cracking open afternoon beers

Drinks via video apps will get us through (AFP/Getty)

When my fiance and I relocated to New York, we had a big goodbye party with all of our friends. From then on, we assumed, we’d only speak to them sporadically and catch up properly during Christmases or every other summer when we returned to the UK.

Needless to say, a pandemic was not on our agenda. And we’ve found that in the past few weeks, an upside of the current situation is that it lends itself perfectly to rekindling those relationships which otherwise may have dwindled.

There’s just one problem – the time difference – and it can be either a blessing or a curse. When I tried to organise a virtual family pub quiz this weekend with my three siblings and my dad, it turned out the only time everyone could do was 10am New York time on Sunday. My fiance and I spent the night before concocting a quiz for everyone and when we logged into our video chat in the morning with our coffees, having rolled right out of bed, it was slightly mind-boggling to see everyone else drinking beers and ciders.