A man who has friends must himself be friendly.
A man who has friends must himself be friendly.
Meaning in plain English
The saying asks someone who has friends to be friendly themselves. It values reciprocal consideration within connection.
Example
Someone shows consideration while also communicating their own limits and needs.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Must himself be puts responsibility on conduct, but the phrase should not blame every isolated person for lacking warmth. A useful reading considers mutual effort without requiring constant availability or making friendship a transaction of exact repayment.
When to use it
Use it to discuss reciprocal care without blaming isolation.
Keep in mind
Friendly conduct does not guarantee companionship or require unlimited availability.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 724; PDF page 104
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Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
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