What's love all about? People who are there for you always

This is the first Valentine’s I’ve spent boyfriend-less in four years and, subsequently, the first time I’ve written a column around February 14 as a singleton.

I’m not pouting or moaning about it, instead I’m celebrating my new found happiness and it’s through this I’ve realised that some love is stronger than others.

It’s only since I’ve embraced a more independent outlook on life I’ve started to realise the kind of love which matters to me.

I’ve never understood how much I rely on or appreciate my parents until now. It’s long overdue, but true.

It hasn’t been the easiest of times in the Wallace household recently, but as a result we’ve pulled together and are pushing through as one. In my older age I seem to have clicked a little more with my folks and although we still sometimes don’t see eye-to-eye, I know they’ll always be there, supporting me.

The same can be said for the friends whom I’ve grown so close to in the past year. To have such amazing people in my life who can perk me up when I’m feeling a bit low is such a blessing.

Whether they be people from uni, work or home, we feel safe with one another knowing there will always be someone to turn to in times of need. To me, that’s what love is all about.

It’s not a soppy, over-priced card once a year or an annual event when you spoil your significant other in the hope of gaining top boyfriend/girlfriend status. Nor is it a massive paragraph on Facebook about how much you love your new Pandora ring or a cheesy hashtag.

It’s being there for people and sticking with them. It’s making sure people are always okay. So I didn’t spend Valentine’s Day alone – in fact, I think it was the best one yet.