Long-distance romance and closure from husband's death - your memories of Skype

Skype has played a significant role in connecting people across the globe, especially in long-distance relationships and family communications. Before the rise of other video calling platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp, Skype was one of the most popular services for making video calls. Launched in 2003, it allowed users to make free computer-to-computer calls and offered low-cost options for calling landlines and mobile phones. However, as Microsoft shifted its focus to Teams, Skype's popularity has waned, and the service is set to close on May 5, with only the Skype for Business feature remaining. Many individuals have shared their heartfelt stories about how Skype has impacted their lives. One touching story is that of Owen and Weng Williams, who credit Skype for their relationship. Weng moved from Macau, China, to Wales for a six-month internship in 2012. Feeling homesick, she turned to Skype to connect with friends and family. During her time in Wales, she met Owen, who also worked for the National Trust. Initially, they were just friends, but after Weng returned to Macau, their friendship blossomed into romance through countless Skype calls. Weng fondly recalls, 'Skype was a very important part of our relationship. ' They maintained a long-distance relationship, video calling every day, even celebrating birthdays together over the screen. Eventually, they got engaged, and Weng moved back to Wales in 2015. Today, they are happily married, thanks in part to the connection they built through Skype. Another poignant story comes from Erica, a woman from New Zealand who used Skype to communicate with her husband during his work trips. After his passing in 2017, Skype took on a new meaning for her. While clearing out his work computer, she discovered their exchanged messages, which documented their relationship's ups and downs. In a unique way to find closure, Erica sent a message to her husband's Skype account and replied to herself from his account. This exchange allowed her to express her feelings and receive the apologies she needed. She shared, 'It helped me to move on. I believed it. ' Susan Bertotti, who has lived in Chile since 2003, has also relied on Skype to stay connected with her mother, Vera, who lives in Milton Keynes. For the past 15 years, they have spoken every day on Skype, sharing memories and experiences despite the distance. Susan expressed, 'Skype has given my mother and I the most wonderful close connection all these years. ' As Susan became her mother's carer, she used Skype to manage various tasks back in the UK. Although they have started using WhatsApp, Skype remains their primary means of communication. With Vera now 99 years old, Susan is saddened by the impending closure of Skype, stating, 'It is going to be a huge loss to me. ' Stan Calderwood, a businessman, has also relied on Skype for making affordable international calls. On the day the closure was announced, he had used Skype multiple times to contact professionals in Canada regarding a property sale. He noted, 'You can't call everyone on WhatsApp, Zoom or Teams. ' Now, he is searching for a new low-cost alternative for international calls. Microsoft has announced that Skype's free services will be retired, leaving users with the option to transition to Teams or export their Skype data, including chats and contacts. A Microsoft spokesperson explained, 'The timing of this shift is driven by the significant advancements and adoption of Microsoft Teams. ' While Skype for Business will continue for some users, many will have to adapt to the changes. The closure of Skype marks the end of an era for a service that has been a vital part of many people's lives.