We’re building something new and ambitious; a global platform where people from all walks of life can come together, connect, build community, and share a meal in a safe inclusive environment. While that sounds simple in theory, in practice, It’s complex and tough. Really tough.
We’re not yet experts at managing every nuance of a global community. When you bring together people from different cultures, countries, and backgrounds—especially from places with deep-rooted conflict—you’re bound to face challenges. We’ve faced those challenges and sometimes we mess up but we’re learning. Every day, we’re growing, and we’re committed to getting better.
Lessons Learned
Some of the lessons we’ve learned have been difficult. We’ve paired people from places with complex histories (i.e like Israel and Palestine or Ukraine and Russia). These are not just names on a map. These are real, lived experiences of pain, history, and tension. Sometimes the pairings work, and sometimes they don’t. And that’s something we can’t always predict.
We’ve also learned the hard way about cultural differences. We’ve accidentally paired people from less accepting cultures with people from more open societies, especially on topics of gender, sexuality, and identity. These issues are sensitive, and in some cases, even dangerous. When this happens, we know it creates discomfort or even unsafe situations, and that’s something we cannot ignore. We are actively adapting our approach to be more mindful of these sensitivities.
Then there’s balance. Sometimes, the mix of gender identities and sex can be off which can affect conversations and connections. We’re always working to improve this because balance is key to creating a more inclusive and meaningful experience for everyone.
Inclusion Without Labels
Now, here’s where things get a little tricky. We intentionally don’t collect demographic data like race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Why? Because we believe connections should be about who you are as a person, not about where you’re from or what you believe. We want people to connect based on shared values, experiences, and common interests.
But we’re also aware that by not collecting that information, we miss some context. We can’t always predict how people’s backgrounds will interact, especially when cultural clashes arise. And yes, that’s a vulnerability in our system. But we also believe that by creating more organic connections, we open the door to conversations that challenge stereotypes and build understanding. We want to be the kind of platform that fosters empathy and respect, even in the most difficult of circumstances.
Moving Forward
We’ve made mistakes. We’ve paired people in ways that didn’t work, and sometimes those pairings have led to uncomfortable or unsafe situations. But here’s the key: we’re committed to learning from every single mistake. Every bit of feedback, every uncomfortable moment, teaches us something valuable. And we’re not going to shy away from that. We’ll keep working hard to improve, because growth comes from facing challenges head-on.
If something goes wrong, we don’t hide from it. We address it. We refine our system, improve our algorithms, and create better processes to ensure we can navigate the complexities of global connections. We will always keep listening to your feedback—that’s how we grow.
Growing Together
We’re in this for the long haul and we will make Timeleft a better place for everyone who joins. We’re not looking for perfection; we’re looking for progress. Every challenge, every tough conversation, and every difficult pairing is a step toward creating something more thoughtful, more inclusive, and more human.
We need your trust, your patience, and your feedback. We’re working hard to make sure everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. But we also need your help. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. If something’s wrong, tell us. Together, we can make this platform the safest and most welcoming place for everyone, regardless of background or beliefs.
Thank you for being part of this journey. We’re learning, we’re growing, and we’re doing it together. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.
