LOVE REALLY IS ALL AROUND

All You Need Is Love. Love Of My Life. Can’t Help Falling In Love. Baby Love. This Love. You Give Love A Bad Name. Crazy In Love... the list of hit songs with love in the title could fill this magazine cover to cover many times over. We really are obsessed. But after reading the feature on page 30 of today’s issue, I’ve got a new favourite: Wet Wet Wet’s 1994 hit Love Is All Around. Because it really is. Love doesn’t come folded in a fancy card or tucked away in a bunch of roses – though they can be nice ways of expressing it. No, love comes in many, many forms – how people treat us, kind gestures, thoughtful enquiries – very few of them romantic. The article on page 30 refers to a self-help guru who recently posed the question: would you rather spend the rest of your life single or without friends? It’s a very interesting proposition and, even though I know that my partner reads this column, I’m going to firmly lean towards keeping my friends. Sorry Alan! Thankfully, it’s not an either/or situation – though it might be now after he reads this... I’ve spent some time recently with several people who are single and actively looking for a relationship and I’ve been at pains to point out to them that many of the things they’re seeking – companionship, someone to share dreams and aspirations with, unwavering loyalty – are already available to them in their families and communities. Of course, it’s nice to find one special person who shares these values and ambitions with you, but if it comes at a price, is that price worth it? It’s virtually impossible to have a longterm relationship and possibly children and still be the friend/daughter/cousin/workmate that you once were. That’s perfectly understandable and acceptable – in fact, most people will be going through the same – so make sure the choice is the right one for you. I was away with some friends and family last week for a few days and it really does do the soul good to spend time with the people you love. People who don’t judge you, who know who you are and accept you for that – faults and all – and who you still actively choose to spend your precious free time with. Lunch with old friends, sending a text to someone you know is having a tough time, inviting an aunt you don’t see enough over for dinner, a hike with college buddies – all are based in love, the kind that doesn’t come from a card shop. So this Valentine’s Day, think about the love that surrounds you and ask yourself if there are ways you can show how grateful you are for that. Send that text, write a social media post, compose a letter – be sure to acknowledge all the love that surrounds you, not just the Hallmark kind.

Enjoy the issue.