"Un homme à la maison vaut mieux que deux dans la rue."

This quote is about the value of presence and commitment. It's saying that having someone who is consistently there, contributing and being reliable, is far more valuable than having twice as many people who are less committed or available. The core idea here is that quality, especially in terms of reliability and presence, is more important than quantity.

Historically, this saying might have been used to emphasize the importance of family members being home, contributing to the household, and being part of family life. It might have been particularly relevant in times when community and family structures were tightly knit, and every member had a role to play. Think about the times when families ran farms or small family businesses—everyone's presence and effort counted.

Imagine you’re running a small business. You've got a couple of employees, but only one of them is always there when you need them. They show up on time, they’re reliable, and you know you can count on them to get things done. The other employees? They’re talented, sure, but they’re often late, call in sick a lot, or sometimes just don’t show up at all. Who would you rather have on your team if things got tough? It’s clear that the one dependable employee is worth more than two of the unreliable ones.

Applying this wisdom in daily life means valuing the people who are consistent and reliable. Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, those who stick around, keep their word, and show up are the ones you should cherish and invest in. Imagine you have a group of friends. Some are always there when you need them, while others? They flake out more often than not. Who do you turn to when you need support or help? It's the reliable ones who make a difference.

A relatable story: Think about Jane, who’s balancing work, kids, and a side hustle. Her partner, Mike, is always there. He helps with the kids, supports her side projects, and they share chores. Her friend, Sarah, is envious because she has a lot of friends who are great for a good time out, but when she needs real help—moving apartments or dealing with a personal crisis—they’re nowhere to be found. Sarah’s starting to see that having a committed partner like Mike is invaluable. He’s the ‘man in the house’, always present and willing to help, making life smoother and more manageable.

So, how do you apply this in your life? Start by recognizing who the reliable people are. Show them you value their presence—thank them, support them when they need it, and make an effort to show up for them too. It’s a two-way street. Be the reliable person in someone else’s life. It's a simple but profound way to build strong, lasting relationships.

Remember, in a world that often values numbers—followers, friends, likes—don’t forget the irreplaceable value of those who are truly there for you, day in and day out. They're the ones who matter most.