If you were raised in a Greek home, you are aware that the language of love is rarely straightforward. Proverbs, humor, or life lessons are frequently used to hide affectionate expressions. As a writer and lover of Greek sayings, I can guarantee you that the Greeks have a saying for everything, but the insight is particularly profound when it comes to relationships and love.
Greek Proverbs and Sayings About Love
The saying “A heart that loves is always young” is one of my all-time favorite sayings. Now, if you’ve spent enough time in a Greek household, you are aware that love is a serious issue. Greeks have an unwavering, deep, and passionate love for their families, their nation, and their food. However, this saying isn’t only about romance; it’s about the kind of love that, regardless of age, keeps you feeling young. Love truly does keep you young, as seen by a grandfather who still insists on dancing at every wedding or a grandma who lavishes affection on her grandkids. It serves as a reminder that love is about ordinary moments that lift our spirits rather than extravagant displays, which is something that first-generation Greek Americans and Australians, even those living far from home, frequently treasure.
Then there’s the proverb, “Everyone becomes a poet at the touch of love.” Greeks don’t hold back when expressing their feelings, and we show it out with pride. This proverb encapsulates how, even if you’re a quiet person by nature, words come easily when you’re in love. We’ve all witnessed it: the grandmother who surreptitiously gives her grandchildren candy while saying, “Don’t tell your mother,” or the uncle who typically complains about the cost of tomatoes suddenly giving moving speeches at a wedding. Love reminds us of our innate drive to connect and express ourselves, softening even the hardest hearts and bringing forth our lyrical side. It is evidence that love, whether it be friendship, family, or romantic, brings out the best and most authentic in us.
Who are you calling a donkey?
“The donkey called the rooster big-headed” is one of the funnier sayings I’ve heard. If you’ve ever argued with a close friend or partner, you’ll probably recognize this one. This saying highlights our propensity to point fingers at our own shortcomings. It serves as a humorous reminder that neither we nor love are flawless and that sometimes the person we irritate the most is our own reflection. In interpersonal relationships, we frequently become irritated by characteristics in other people that mirror our own. Recognizing this, according to the Greeks, is a sign of self-awareness, a sign of a healthy partnership, and a humorous reminder to not take ourselves too seriously.
Be careful to choose your words wisely.
“The tongue has no bones, but bones it crushes” is another that strikes a deep chord. With the close-knit relationships found in Greek households, where words are freely spoken (often at great volume!), this adage seems particularly pertinent. It serves as a reminder that even the greatest ties can be strengthened or weakened by the power of words. This saying has been muttered in Greek homes, where family is everything, to diffuse tensions and serve as a reminder that once anything is said, it cannot be taken back. It teaches us to be careful with the words we use, especially when speaking to the people we care about the most.
“I don’t need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better,” is one of the most well-known Greek sayings regarding friendship. According to the Greeks, true friends are people who support you and provide you with thoughtful opinions rather than merely simple affirmations. They are the ones who push you, encourage you, and remain by your side during difficult times. Greeks cherish this type of relationship, which is almost considered a holy bond. Sometimes even more than family, friendship is seen as an extension of it. These friendships are frequently formed with people who share our beliefs, sense of humor, and enthusiasm for life—the true friends who inspire us to be better and serve as a reminder of our origins for those of us who live far from Greece.
Greek Sayings about Relationships, Love and more!
Naturally, there is also the adage that goes, “You easily forget the eyes that don’t see you anymore.” Relationships are frequently put to the test by time and distance in a world that is always changing. This saying captures the fact that connections deteriorate if they are not fostered. Since we frequently balance relationships across nations and continents, this saying has particular meaning for many first-generation Greeks. It serves as a reminder to stay in touch with the people who are important to us, whether they live in Greece or on the other side of the globe, and to cherish the relationships that bind us together despite the distance.
Greek sayings about relationships and love are more than simply words; they are teachings that are frequently passed down through the generations or discussed at the family table. They are tinged with humor, love, and a dash of sarcasm. These also serve as a reminder of the intricacy of love and the fact that, despite its imperfections, it is always worthwhile. They are interwoven into our daily interactions and conversations, acting as a constant reminder that our relationships are our greatest assets, in spite of our imperfections.
Thus, keep these sayings in mind the next time you’re having a heated argument with a loved one or you’re feeling emotional over a friend. These timeless truths serve as a reminder that friendship and love, despite its peculiarities, are what keep us human and youthful at heart.
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