DEAR JUMAI,

I’m a 26-year-old man and the breadwinner of my family. I’m paying for my sick mum’s treatment, and I’ve been taking care of my girlfriend of three years. I make sure she’s comfortable and even support her family.

But these past few months, it has been tough, business has been slow, and I have lost money while trading. My girlfriend doesn’t understand. She keeps demanding money, and when I tell her I don’t have any, she insults me, calls me broke, and even tells her family I’m useless.

I keep reassuring her that things will get better, but she won’t listen. She’s even threatening to leave. I love her so much that even when I caught her cheating, I didn’t say anything because I was scared of losing her. Please help me. Simon

Dear Simon,

You’ve been carrying a lot, supporting your family, caring for your mum, and try-ing to maintain a relationship. That shows strength and maturity. But you’ve been giving more than you’re receiving.

When someone truly loves and values you, they’ll stand by you through both good and hard times. A partner who insults, belittles, and cheats on you doesn’t love or respect you. You deserve someone who supports you emotionally, not someone who drains you.

It’s understandable that you still care, but staying in a relationship that hurts you will only break you further. Letting go doesn’t mean failure; it means choosing peace and self-respect. Focus on your family, your goals, and rebuilding your life. In time, you’ll find someone who values you for who you are, not for what you have.

My Best Friend Betrayed Me

DEAR JUMAI,

I’M a 300-Level student who has always believed in keeping my circle small. My best friend and I had been close since our first year; we did everything together. I shared my secrets, struggles, and even family issues with her because I trusted her completely.

Recently, I started dating someone on campus and confided in her about it. A few weeks later, I noticed she became distant, and then I found out she had been se-cretly talking to the same guy. When I confronted her, she said “it just happened” and that I was overreacting.

I felt shattered. It wasn’t just about the guy; it was the betrayal from someone I called a sister. I’ve been avoiding her ever since, but it’s hard because we share the same class and mutual friends. How do I move on from this kind of hurt? Sandy

Dear Sandy,

Betrayal from a close friend cuts deeper than most heartbreaks. It’s painful be-cause it shatters trust, something that takes years to build and seconds to lose.

But understand this: her actions don’t define your worth or the sincerity of your friendship. Focus on healing, not revenge. Distance yourself if you must, but don’t let bitterness change your kind heart. Learn from the experience next time, be slower to share everything about your life until trust is proven over time.

True friends protect what you confide in them; they don’t compete with you or hurt you for attention. Forgive her, not because she deserves it, but because you deserve peace. Sometimes, losing a fake friend is how life makes room for real ones.