'Love Is Blind' stars Brett and Marshall are actually one of the show's greatest love stories

• Marshall and Brett are one of "Love Is Blind" season four's greatest love stories.
• Their friendship, built on support, is a rare thing to see in modern reality television.

Once upon a time, there were two contestants on a popular Netflix dating series named "Love Is Blind," who had a mission to find the person they'd eventually marry. Throughout that journey, they found each other.

If you think I'm talking about season four fan-favorite couple, Brett Brown and Tiffany Pennywell, not quite. Though their love story is as magical as a Disney movie, after falling in love within only 10 days while dating each other "sight unseen" in a pod, I'm actually talking about Brett and Marshall Glaze.

"Love Is Blind" is a competition reality show that has transfixed Netflix viewers since its season premiere in 2020 when it asked couples to fall in love without seeing their partner. They can only meet after getting engaged, immediately embarking on a romantic honeymoon and eventually moving in together. After a little over a month, the couples then decide in front of their friends and family if they'll actually say, "I do."

But as much as "LIB" is known for its whirlwind romance between women and men, same-sex bonds are also formed at a faster pace. It's why Brett and Marshall, who became brothers along the way, deserve our attention. (Spoilers ahead!)

Marshall and Brett's friendship was built on support

In the season premiere episode titled, "Welcome to the Pods," Marshall is the first person Brett informs of his growing adoration for Tiffany, who he eventually marries, and his real fears behind those feelings.

"I'm feeling really strong feelings for Tiffany and it just scares me," Brett, a 35-year-old design director, admitted after his pod date.

"You can't let that control you. You can't let that dictate your future...you gotta take that leap," Marshall, a 27-year-old marketing manager, reassured Brett. "Love hurts but you can't let that stop you from what you deserve. Take the leap bro, take the leap."

In fact, we later learned during Sunday night's botched live reunion that Marshall "planted the seed" for Brett's blossoming romance with Tiffany, by initially encouraging him to "pay attention" to her during the dating cycle in the pods.

Marshall's support was reciprocated when he struggled to win over Jackelina "Jackie" Bonds' heart, who also had feelings for her eventual boyfriend, Josh Demas, early in the series. Brett attempted to put Marshall's heart at ease in episode two, titled "Birthday Wishes," with a sincere pep talk after Jackie said that an unnamed contestant said they'd leave the show if she didn't marry them.

Sensing Marshall was upset, Brett met him in the kitchen with an offer: "If you ever need someone to talk to here...you can come to me," he said.

Later when Jackie and Marshall's relationship devolved, causing her to intentionally skip her wedding dress fitting, it wasn't Jackie who let Marshall know she was a no-show. It was Brett.

"So Tiff just texted me and said that Jackie didn't show up for her wedding dress fitting," Brett said, pulling him to the side. "Just letting you know so you're not blindsided by anything."

Marshall, hurt yet grateful, mustered up an "appreciate that" as the two men embraced.

Despite his own heartbreak, due to a volatile separation from Jackie, Marshall insisted that he be there for his "brother" on his wedding day to Tiffany. Before Brett walked down the aisle, Marshall caught up with him.

"You are such an important part of Tiffany and I's [sic] story," Brett said, to which Marshall replied, "I told you since day one: I wanna see you win."

The scene ended with an affirmation of love from each man — a rarity in modern reality television, especially between two Black men.

"I love you, man. I love you deep down in the bottom of my heart," Marshall said.

"I love you too, man," Brett replied.

Brett and Marshall's friendship reminded us why male vulnerability needs to be shown more on TV

In a society that at times dehumanizes Black men, it's important to allow space for them to healthily express their feelings. It's important to allow grace for Black men to create safe spaces for each other, instead of projecting toxic masculinity-based insecurities onto them when they do.

"I'm unapologetic about my sensitivity, my emotions, and the fact that I wear my heart on my sleeve," Marshall recently told Variety, noting that he had been called "soft" all of his life.

Vulnerability isn't a weakness, though. In fact, society's outdated gender roles often dictate that men should withhold their feelings — except for anger — making it extremely difficult for men to be vulnerable. So when they do show off their vulnerability, it's a strength actually.

Season four of "Love Is Blind" was certainly a tangled weave of mess — and I live for reality show mess — but it was a breath of fresh air to witness genuine love between two Black men without hesitation or shame. I hope that type of unapologetic Black male friendship, connection, and vulnerability lives happily ever after.