Lizzie Cernik

Alicia and Tola, now in their late 30s, met on an internet chatroom in the 90s. They reconnected through Facebook years later and remain close, despite living on opposite sides of the Atlantic

CJ and Lyndsey’s first date led to a journey to A&E. But they bonded over glassblowing, online zines and ADHD, and ended up proposing to each other

Kathlina, 28, and Adriana, 30, met in college in Florida. Despite a rocky start, they became best friends and have supported each other through the past decade

Marc, 61, and Lori, 65, met online in 1995. They have a daughter and live in Illinois

Nancy, 69, and Barbara, 58, met over a hotel breakfast in Munich in 2022. Despite being from different continents, they clicked instantly and have travelled together ever since

Wayne, 72 and Aura, 67, met in a doctor’s office in the 1980s. They fell in love and have lived in Boston together ever since

Lizzie Cernik In 1986, Wayne's life was always busy. He lived in Jamaica Plain, Boston, and worked as an administrative assistant for a

Lisa and Andrea, both 64, met in New Jersey 40 years ago. Despite living on different continents, they’ve been friends ever since

Open all your windows! Sing a song! Have a hot chocolate! Guardian writers and readers reveal simple ways to lift your mood in 300 seconds or fewer

Brandon, 28, and Christine, 27, became close friends when they worked together at a Covid testing lab. Now they live in different countries, but make time to continue their friendship