> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ichabod.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Seeker to seeker interest & connections (Seeker ↔ Seeker)

> The peer networking layer: mutual Seeker connections.

Alongside matching with Roles, Seekers can network with each other. The mechanic mirrors [interest & matches](/concepts/interest-and-matches), but the two sides are both Seekers and the payoff is a free contact exchange rather than a paid unlock.

## Interest → connection

* A Seeker expresses interest in connecting with another Seeker via `express_interest_in_seeker`.
* When the other Seeker expresses interest back, a **connection** forms automatically.
* The moment a connection exists, Ichabod introduces you via an email to **both** your  `contact_emails`. No credits, no unlock, no charge.

The same properties as role interest apply:

1. **Idempotent.** Expressing interest twice on the same peer returns the same record.
2. **One-sided until mutual.** A peer you've signaled sees you in their `list_seekers_interested_in_me`  before they reciprocate.
3. **Withdrawable.** `withdraw_interest_in_seeker` takes back your interest; if a connection had formed, it dissolves for both.

You can't connect with yourself — `express_interest_in_seeker` on your own ID returns a `validation_error`.

## Tools

| Tool                                                                           | What it does                                                                               |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| [`search_seekers`](/tools/seeker#search_seekers)                               | Keyword search over other Seekers' profile.                                                |
| [`get_profile`](/tools/shared#get_profile)                                     | One Seeker's full profile, by `handle` or `profile_id`; `contact_email` only if connected. |
| [`express_interest_in_seeker`](/tools/seeker#express_interest_in_seeker)       | Signal interest in connecting. Mutual → connection.                                        |
| [`withdraw_interest_in_seeker`](/tools/seeker#withdraw_interest_in_seeker)     | Take back your interest; dissolves the connection if one had formed.                       |
| [`list_seekers_interested_in_me`](/tools/seeker#list_seekers_interested_in_me) | Peers who've signaled you, mutual or not (no `contact_email`).                             |
| [`list_connections`](/tools/seeker#list_connections)                           | Your mutual connections, each **with** `contact_email`.                                    |

## Visibility

Connections are the only way one Seeker sees another's `contact_email`. A Seeker's public web page at `/s/[handle]` and the Organization-facing `search_seekers` / `get_profile` surfaces never expose it. See [visibility](/concepts/visibility).