This Malagasy proverb emphasizes the strength of friendship and love bonds. Close friends are likened to those who share the same father, suggesting camaraderie and loyalty. Lovers, on the other hand, are compared to those who share the same mother, highlighting an even deeper intimacy and connection. In relationships, just as in families, bonds are forged through shared experiences and mutual understanding. The English equivalent would be ‘Friends are the family you choose.’