Thank you for choosing Friendly Ears. This page explains the nature of our service, what we offer, what we do not offer, how we expect users to behave, and how refunds work. By using Friendly Ears or booking a session, you agree to the Conditions of Use listed here. Please read them carefully so you understand how our service works and what you can expect.

Friendly Ears was created to give people a warm, calm space to speak freely. We believe every person deserves to be heard in a safe, respectful way. These Conditions of Use help keep that space safe for everyone.

1. THE NATURE OF THE SERVICE

Friendly Ears is a listening-only service. Our listeners offer presence, care, and full attention. The purpose of our service is to give you a space where you can talk openly, release thoughts, and feel heard by someone who listens with kindness.

Friendly Ears does not offer treatment, diagnosis, or guidance of any kind. Our listeners are here to create a gentle, steady environment where your words can land. You choose what to talk about. You choose your own actions. We do not direct, instruct, or guide your decisions.

This service is for adults 18 years or older.

2. WHAT WE DO

Friendly Ears provides listening sessions that are simple, calm, and supportive. During a session, you will speak with a trained listener who is present, respectful, and grounded. Our work is built on:

2.1 Active Listening

Your listener pays close attention to your words. They stay focused on you, without distraction. They listen with care, warmth, and understanding.

2.2 Emotional Presence

You may talk about things that feel heavy or confusing. Our listeners hold steady space so you feel accepted and understood.

2.3 Confidentiality

Sessions are private except when safety laws require reporting. For our safety and yours, we do record conversations. We never share session details with anyone, unless safety is at risk.

2.4 Non-Judgmental Environment

You are free to speak openly. Your listener will not shame, criticize, or judge your thoughts or feelings.

2.5 Respect and Compassion

Our listeners show up with kindness, respect, and patience. They listen with a caring heart.

2.6 Safety Awareness

If a listener believes someone is in danger, they may end the session and follow safety steps required by law.

2.7 Boundaries

Our listeners keep clear, healthy boundaries. They do not share private information. They do not form relationships outside sessions. They stay in their role as a listener only.

3. WHAT WE DO NOT DO

Friendly Ears is not a medical, therapeutic, or advisory service. To prevent confusion, please note clearly what we do not offer:

3.1 We do not give advice

No personal, professional, medical, legal, financial, psychological, or life advice is given.

3.2 We do not coach

We do not offer strategies, steps, plans, or instructions.

3.3 We do not counsel or treat

We do not provide therapy, counseling, mental-health treatment, or emotional healing services.

3.4 We do not diagnose

We cannot identify or name any mental-health or medical issue.

3.5 We do not promise results

Our listeners support presence and connection, not outcomes.

3.6 We do not do crisis intervention

Friendly Ears is not an emergency service.
If you are in crisis, please call your local emergency number or a licensed crisis hotline.

3.7 We do not allow illegal or harmful use

The service may not be used to harm anyone, plan harmful acts, or break the law.

3.8 We do not allow harassment or abuse

We do not tolerate any form of verbal, emotional, or sexual misconduct toward our listeners.

4. CODE OF CONDUCT

Friendly Ears is built on trust and safety. To protect both users and listeners, we require the following standards. If these rules are broken, listeners may end the session immediately and accounts may be suspended or banned.

4.1 Respectful Behavior

Users must treat listeners with respect and kindness. This includes:

• Calm tone
• Respectful language
• No yelling, insults, or aggressive speech
• No shaming or belittling
• No intimidation

Our space must remain gentle and safe.

4.2 No Abuse or Harassment

The following behavior is strictly prohibited:

• Abusive or violent language
• Threats or hostile statements
• Racist, sexist, or hateful remarks
• Sexual comments, requests, or innuendos
• Attempts to shock, scare, or disturb the listener
• Manipulation or coercion

A session will be ended immediately if any of these occur.

4.3 Personal Boundaries

• Do not ask listeners for their personal information.
• Do not try to meet listeners outside the platform.
• Do not request photos, videos, or private contact.
• Do not attempt to build a personal relationship beyond the session.
• Do not pressure a listener to reveal anything about themselves.

Listeners are here to hold space only.

4.4 Safety and Crisis Situations

While you may talk about difficult emotions, you may not:

• Threaten harm to yourself
• Threaten harm to others
• Describe plans to commit illegal acts
• Use the service to encourage violence

If a listener believes you are in danger or creating danger, they may stop the session and follow the safety steps required by law.

4.5 Confidentiality Boundaries

Friendly Ears keeps your information private except when required by law.
List of exceptions includes:

• Risk of harm to self
• Risk of harm to others
• Abuse of a child or vulnerable adult
• Legal demands

These limits protect everyone’s safety.

4.6 No Recording

You may not record, copy, or store audio or video of the session without written permission.
We do not record sessions on our end.

4.7 Listener Rights

All listeners have the right to:

• End a session at any time if they feel unsafe
• Report misconduct
• Decline to engage in certain topics
• Protect their privacy
• Work in a harassment-free environment

4.8 User Responsibilities

As a user, you agree to:

• Treat listeners with respect
• Follow Friendly Ears rules
• Use the service only for emotional support through conversation
• Honor session times and policies
• Speak honestly and calmly
• Avoid disruptive or harmful behavior

5. REFUND POLICY

Friendly Ears wants to be fair and clear about how refunds work. Our refund policy protects the time of our listeners and also supports fairness for users.

5.1 Cancellations by the User

• You may cancel a session 24 hours or more before the start time for a full refund.
• Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the session may not be refunded because the listener has reserved that time for you.

We may offer exceptions if there is a proven medical emergency or urgent situation.

5.2 Missed Sessions (No-Shows)

If you do not show up for your session and did not cancel, the session will be counted as completed, and no refund will be provided.

We do this to respect the time of our listeners.

5.3 Late Arrivals

You are welcome to join late, but the session will still end at the scheduled time. Refunds or extended time are not guaranteed for late arrivals.

5.4 Cancellations by Friendly Ears

If we cancel your session due to scheduling issues, technical problems, or listener availability, you may choose:

• A full refund, or
• A rescheduled session at no extra cost.

5.5 Session Termination Due to Code of Conduct Violations

If a listener ends a session because the user breaks the Code of Conduct, no refund will be given.

Examples include:

• Abusive language
• Sexual comments
• Harassment
• Threats
• Hate speech
• Attempts to push listeners to reveal personal details
• Any unsafe behavior

These rules protect the safety of listeners and users.

5.7 Payment Disputes

If you dispute a payment through your bank or credit card company, we may suspend your access until the dispute is resolved.

6. AGREEMENT TO THESE CONDITIONS

By using Friendly Ears, you confirm that you understand:

• Friendly Ears is a listening-only service
• Our listeners do not diagnose, guide, or treat
• You are responsible for your actions and decisions
• You must follow the Code of Conduct
• Refund policies apply to all bookings
• Safety rules must be respected at all times

If you do not agree with these Conditions of Use, please do not use the service.