Courtesy on one side never lasts long.

Meaning: Politeness requires mutual effort; when only one person maintains kindness, the relationship deteriorates quickly.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

More proverbs about Perseverance

• A crow is never the whiter for washing herself often. — External efforts cannot change one's fundamental nature or inherent qualities.
• It never goes well when the hen crows. — When women assume traditionally male roles or authority, social disorder follows.
• Cruelty is a tyrant always attended by fear. — Fear haunts the cruel because their victims will seek retribution when opportunity allows.
• What cannot be cured must be endured. — Accept hardships beyond your control rather than waste energy resisting the inevitable.
• Never venture out of your depth until you can swim. — Avoid situations beyond your capability until you've mastered the necessary skills.
• Desert and reward seldom keep company. — Virtue without recognition tests whether you act from integrity or merely for praise.

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