From Charles Darwin’s “pro” list in favor of marriage when he was a young man:
“A constant companion, one who will feel interested in one (a friend in old age)– object to be beloved and play with.”
Pop song constantly playing on Zimbabwe radio when I was there many years ago:
“Be patient
You will find her
Be like a vulture.”
French 14th century motto, attributed to Gace de la Vigne:
“De chiens, d’oyseaux, d’armes, d’amours, pour une joie, cent doleurs.”
[In hounds, hawks, arms, and love, for one joy, a hundred sorrows]