Love and lordship never like friendship.

The saying means that love and lordship, or authority, can both resist sharing. A lover may resent a rival, while a ruler may resist an equal partner, because either situation can encourage claims to exclusive loyalty or control.

It presents jealousy and dominance as forces that can turn companions into competitors. Where affection or power is at stake, cooperation may give way to suspicion, rivalry, or conflict; it is a broad, cynical generalisation, not a description of every relationship or leader.

Use it as a wry, cynical comment when romance or shared authority is strained by rivalry, possessiveness, or control. It can describe a struggle for exclusive loyalty or power, rather than offering advice about relationships or leadership.