I don't recognise that description of love. I can't imagine any of the people who love me standing up for me or defending me. (Of course I have never been abused so I suppose I haven't needed it.) But if I mention, for instance, some work situation where I feel badly treated to H, he'll immediately and automatically defend the other person's position. It's just his way, and when I am idiotic enough to ask him not to do it, that's what he'll say: "You know that's just my way, it's what I am like." So there is no malice there - I simply have to think about what I tell him so I don't put myself in that situation.

On the other hand, I do have friends who will take my side. I could name various people on this forum, for instance. So there doesn't have to be love involved, friendship can be sufficient.