It’s not about where you are, but who you’re with

I don’t like the beach in summer. I never have – your skin goes all sticky from the humidity, there are far too many people, and the blazing sun makes me squint so much I end up looking permanently cross...

Last week, life –and the fact I’ve worked for years without taking a proper holiday– gave me the chance to go to Lombok, Indonesia, to keep my boyfriend company during his week off on his Asia tour. We went to several beaches, went snorkelling –which I’m very proud of, given that the sea absolutely terrifies me– and spent hours riding around on a scooter in sweltering heat. Nothing and no one could wipe the smile off my face. Not even when a tropical storm hit and our flight to Bali was delayed, leaving us stuck in the airport for about seven hours.

It was there, in that very moment, that I realised it’s not about where you are, but who you’re with. I realised that some things only become problems if you see them that way – that your attitude can change everything. I realised that love and friendship heal the soul and make life lighter, easier.

I don’t like the beach in summer, and I probably never will, but I’m endlessly grateful to have got my skin a bit sunburnt – especially because it happened by your side.

I love you.