The first thing to learn in intercourse with others is non-interference with their own peculiar ways of being happy provided those ways do not assume to interfere with ours.

Meaning: Recognising your mistakes early can leave more time to change unhelpful habits. Treat that recognition as an opportunity to learn rather than a reason to define yourself by what went wrong.

Meaning: Your own mistakes can teach caution, but another person’s experience may offer the same lesson without the same cost. Listen for relevant lessons before repeating an avoidable error.

Meaning: A satisfactory outcome can make earlier trouble feel less important. People may judge a difficult experience more positively once its main problem has been resolved.

Meaning: The saying gives married men a more intense laugh than bachelors, extending it until their hearts ache. The apparent praise carries a possible hint of pain.