Brotherly love: healthy relationships

Photo: L-R: Lai, Roxy, Trey and Excel

Roxy Ndayisaba and Excel Soyebo explore good familial connections and their positive impact

After a wider discussion, we gathered our thoughts together about the foundations of healthy relationships. We explore how these good connections often trace back to the dynamics at home.

Excel: Growing up with a close relationship with my brother has taught me a lot about healthy relationships. I trust him. I can go to him with any problems and vent. He actively listens to me and offers all the support he can. He even gives me money when that is what is worrying me. I will always do the same for him when he needs to talk. I’m there. When life is calm, we have lots of fun times too.

Having my brother in my life has shown me the importance of good male relationships. Through his friendship and empathy, he shows me trust and constant support. I also get to understand things from a different perspective. This close bond has taught me that good relationships with guys can be just as deep and meaningful as any other.

During secondary school, I had a strong friendship group of girls, and we were also close to a group of guys. We would often join up and chat and celebrate special occasions together. Our relationships were thriving and healthy, caring and fun. We were like a family.

Roxy: Excel has set a high standard for what a good male friend should be. And I agree a true friend is reliable, trustworthy and understanding. It is okay to be vulnerable; empowerment comes from being there for one another through the difficult and good times.

I don’t have many friendships with men right now. However, I have two little brothers who I love very much. I look after them regularly. They are lively, loving and sometimes a bit exhausting. My brothers have taught me patience and the importance of living in the moment. They sense when I’m sad and always manage to cheer me up and make me laugh! They bring an abundance of energy and love into my life.

I talk to my brothers regularly and they listen. I feel like it’s good that we are so close, as they get an insight into my life and ideas. Hopefully, as we go, I’ll continue teaching them valuable lessons and how to be supportive and respectful of women and they’ll take it all in!
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We believe that having healthy relationships is a privilege worth treasuring. Whether it’s a close bond with siblings or with friends, each connection brings wise insights and invaluable support for the good of others as well as ourselves.

If you want to test whether your relationships are healthy, check out LoveRespect.