How Indian Brothers Support Sisters During Periods: A Heartwarming Story

About the Author

Contributed by: An Indian author who shares a close bond with her brother and the challenges she faced during her periods. This is her story of how her brother helped her through it all.

Scene: December 2019, 10 am, Sunday

I woke up feeling a familiar pain. It was back – my periods had started again. My parents had just left for a few hours to meet Nani, my grandfather, and my older brother was quietly working on his laptop. I called him explaining the pain and the struggle to find sanitary napkins.

He left his work, found the pads in just 10 minutes, and stayed with me throughout. This is a typical example of the support many Indian brothers provide for their sisters during menstruation.

My Brother Who Is 21 Months Older Than Me Always Helps Me During My Periods

As an Indian girl, I once felt ashamed of my periods, a common sentiment among many who believe menstruation is embarrassing. However, my father and brother have always been supportive. My dad bought me sanitary pads, and my brother taught me that menstruation is not a shame.

Let me share our first conversation about menstruation.

It was back when my brother was training in Karnataka, and I was in my 12th standard. We usually chatted for half an hour. That day, I learned about the tradition in Karnataka where the parents celebrate their daughter's first period as a welcome to womanhood.

I was shocked and somewhat embarrassed by this tradition, but my brother was more than supportive, and our relationship strengthened as a result.

Heartwarming Moments and Supporting Each Other

One particularly heartwarming moment happened during my brother’s 40-day leave. As soon as I got my period, the situation worsened – I stained my bed with menstrual blood. At that moment, it was my brother and my father in the same room. I was too embarrassed to admit the mistake and too uncomfortable to move.

My brother noticed that something was amiss and asked me what happened. Realizing I was crying, he simply said, "Okay, cry. I just brought another bread; our mom doesn’t need to know." And then he stayed with me, providing solace and support.

He encouraged me to tell my mother, ensuring she could understand the pain better than he could. This interaction taught me the importance of speaking up and not hiding my emotions.

Brother’s Unconditional Support in All Situations

Beyond periods, my brother supports me in every situation. Just last week, he sent me Rs.4000 to help maintain a healthy diet and gain weight. He reminds me to prioritize my health over work. His unconditional care is nothing short of heartwarming.

He took care of me like a little kid, despite me being an adult. Brothers in India often play a crucial role in the personal and social support women receive during their menstrual cycle.

Conclusion

The support sisters receive from their brothers during periods is invaluable. It transforms what can be a challenging time for many into a moment of shared love and understanding. This tradition in India reflects the deep bond between brothers and sisters, and their unwavering support for each other.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for sharing this personal and memorable story with me. I hope it brings comfort and encouragement to others who might be facing similar challenges. Remember, reaching out for help and support is a strength, not a weakness.