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. The proverb, “Better to love an old man who knows what is love, and not love a lad, who flits around like a hummingbird,” focuses on relationships and the qualities that make them last.At first glance, the saying may seem to compare age with youth. But its deeper message is not really about age. It is about maturity, commitment and understanding what genuine love means.Read more - Filipino proverb of the day: 'Marriage is not a joke. It is not like food that you can spit...' Powerful relationship saying that teaches valuable lessons about love, commitment and life that everyone should hear before getting marriedEven today, when relationships are shaped by social media, dating apps and fast-moving lifestyles, the proverb remains surprisingly relevant.Best proverb of the day today: What does the proverb mean?The proverb suggests that a person who understands love, loyalty and responsibility is a better partner than someone who is easily distracted and unable to commit.The old man in the saying symbolises experience, emotional maturity and stability. The lad who flits around like a hummingbird represents someone who constantly changes interests, struggles to stay committed or treats relationships casually.Read more - Best Spanish saying of the day: 'The shrimp that falls asleep is carried away by the current.' Centuries-old proverb that warns why staying comfortable for too long can cost you opportunities, success and growthThe proverb does not claim that every older person is wise or every younger person is unreliable. Instead, it highlights the importance of choosing character over appearances. Its central message is simple: understanding and commitment matter more than charm and excitement.Relationship lessons from the proverbOne reason this proverb has remained popular is that many people learn its lesson through experience. In the early stages of a relationship, excitement often takes centre stage. People may be drawn to confidence, appearance or attention. However, lasting relationships usually depend on deeper qualities.Trust, patience, honesty and consistency are often what keep two people together during difficult times.Someone who understands these qualities may bring greater happiness than someone who is exciting but unreliable. The proverb encourages people to look beyond surface attractions and focus on long-term compatibility.Why emotional maturity matters in loveEmotional maturity plays a major role in successful relationships. A mature partner is usually better at handling disagreements, communicating honestly and considering another person's feelings. They understand that relationships require effort and compromise.People who lack emotional maturity may avoid responsibility or lose interest when challenges arise.The proverb reminds us that emotional intelligence often matters more than age, wealth or appearance.A relationship built on understanding is more likely to survive life's ups and downs.Choosing stability over temporary excitementMany people have experienced situations where excitement fades quickly. A relationship may begin with strong emotions, but long-term happiness often depends on stability. Being able to trust someone, rely on them and feel secure around them creates a stronger foundation.The hummingbird image in the proverb is particularly meaningful. Hummingbirds move rapidly from one flower to another. In the proverb, this behaviour symbolises a person who constantly shifts attention and struggles to stay focused on one relationship.The saying encourages people to value consistency rather than chasing short-term excitement.Love is more than attractionModern culture often places great emphasis on attraction. Films, television shows and social media frequently focus on romance, appearance and chemistry. While attraction is important, the proverb points out that love involves much more.Love includes respect, care, patience and support. It means standing by someone during difficult moments rather than disappearing when problems arise.A person who understands these responsibilities may create a healthier relationship than someone who focuses only on excitement. This lesson remains relevant regardless of age.Ancient wisdom for modern relationshipsAlthough this proverb comes from a different era, its message still fits modern life. Today, people have more opportunities to meet potential partners than ever before. Yet many still struggle to find lasting relationships.One reason may be that modern dating often prioritises quick impressions over deeper qualities.The proverb encourages a different approach. It suggests paying attention to a person's actions rather than simply their words.Does the person keep promises? Are they reliable? Do they show respect? Can they handle challenges responsibly?These questions often reveal more about a potential partner than appearances alone.Life lessons beyond romantic relationshipsInterestingly, the proverb can also apply outside romance. The same principle can help people choose friends, business partners and mentors.Someone who is dependable and experienced may offer greater value than someone who constantly changes direction or lacks commitment.In many areas of life, reliability often proves more important than excitement.The proverb therefore teaches a broader lesson about judging people based on character rather than first impressions.Why this proverb remains popular todayMany old proverbs fade from memory, but some continue to resonate because they describe human behaviour that rarely changes.People still seek trust, loyalty and understanding in relationships. They still encounter individuals who are dependable and others who are easily distracted.Because these experiences remain common, the proverb continues to feel relevant even centuries after it was first spoken. Its message crosses cultures, generations and social backgrounds.Moral of the proverbThe moral of the proverb is clear: choose people who understand commitment, responsibility and genuine care. Lasting relationships are rarely built on excitement alone. They are built on trust, respect and emotional maturity.The proverb encourages people to look beyond temporary attraction and focus on qualities that support long-term happiness. In the end, a partner who truly understands love may bring far greater joy than someone who simply captures attention for a moment.That is why the saying, “Better to love an old man who knows what is love, and not love a lad, who flits around like a hummingbird,” continues to offer valuable guidance in today's world.