The Foundation
Everything at Friends Ahoy is built on one idea: people deserve to feel seen, heard, and valued. These guidelines apply everywhere Friends Ahoy shows up: on our website, at Connection Circles, in any group chats, and in one-on-one connections we facilitate.
This Is a Platonic Space
Friends Ahoy is for friendship. Not dating. Not networking. Not selling anything. If someone tells you they are not interested in something beyond friendship, respect that immediately and completely.
Respect Boundaries
Everyone connects differently. Some people open up quickly. Some take months. Both are valid. Never pressure someone to share more than they are comfortable with. If someone sets a boundary, honor it.
What Is Shared Here Stays Here
At Connection Circles and in conversations facilitated through Friends Ahoy, people share real things. What someone shares with you is not yours to share with others. Do not repeat someone's story. Do not post about someone's personal situation on social media. Confidentiality is the foundation of trust.
Show Up With Kindness
You do not have to agree with everyone or become best friends with everyone. But you do have to treat every person with basic human decency. This means no harassment, bullying, or intimidation, no discrimination of any kind, no unsolicited advice or "fixing" someone unless they ask, and no passive-aggressive behavior or social manipulation.
At Connection Circles
Connection Circles are structured events with a facilitator. When you attend: arrive on time and stay for the full session if possible, participate willingly but never feel forced to share, listen when others are speaking, keep your phone away unless needed for accessibility, follow the facilitator's guidance, and let the facilitator know privately if something makes you uncomfortable.
Meeting People One-on-One
If Friends Ahoy connects you with someone, we strongly recommend meeting in a public place for the first few hangouts, letting a trusted person know where you will be, trusting your instincts, and remembering that you are never obligated to continue a friendship that does not feel right. A "no thanks" is always enough.
What We Do Not Tolerate
How to Report a Concern
If you experience or witness behavior that violates these guidelines, email connect@friendsahoy.com or speak directly to the facilitator at any Connection Circle. We take every report seriously and will listen, investigate, and take appropriate action. Reporting is confidential.
What Happens When Guidelines Are Violated
Depending on the severity, we may have a private conversation about the behavior, issue a formal warning, remove someone from a specific event or group, or permanently remove them from the Friends Ahoy community. We will always prioritize the safety of the community over the comfort of someone who is causing harm.
If You or Someone You Know Is in Crisis
Friends Ahoy is a community platform, not a crisis service. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to professionals who can help:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)
You are not alone. Reaching out is a sign of strength.