proverb · Source-linked selection
Love one that does not love you, answer one that does not call you, and you will run a fruitless race.
Love one that does not love you, answer one that does not call you, and you will run a fruitless race.
In print by 1857 AD · industrial
Recorded in a printed collection by this date; the original date of these words is still unknown.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A relationship cannot be made mutual by pursuing someone who does not return the interest. The fruitless race invites respect for reciprocity and boundaries, without condemning care that freely expects no return.
What the words are saying
The two actions seek a response where none has been offered: love is directed toward someone who does not reciprocate, and an answer goes to someone who has not called. The race image suggests effort without the hoped-for mutual destination. In another setting, consider whether a relationship is welcome on both sides rather than assuming greater persistence will secure affection. The saying does not forbid generous care or prove that an unclear response is rejection. It asks for attention to what the other person has actually communicated.
Everyday example
Someone respects a clear lack of romantic interest and gives the other person space instead of treating persistence as proof of love.
When to use it
Use it to consider whether a hoped-for relationship is mutual and welcome.
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What it does not mean
Respect clear boundaries, but avoid guessing another person’s feelings or treating every kindness as an exchange.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- In print by 1857 AD · industrial
In print by 1857: recorded in A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857). Collection publication is an upper bound for this wording, not its earliest origin, composition date or the author's lifetime.
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857) (1857 AD)
Printed page 198; Spanish section, paragraph 4125; source wording: Ama á quien no te ama, responde á quien no te llama, correrás carrera vana.
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.