This is a lovely proverb recorded in 1721:

Kiss a carle, and clap a carle,
and that's the way to tine a carle;
Knock a carle, and ding a carle,
and that's the way to win a carle

(CLAP - To pat affectionately, caressingly, approvingly)
(TINE - To lose, to suffer the loss)

In other words, treat your man with respect and you'll lose him; ding your carle and you'll keep him. OK, perhaps not such a lovely proverb after all.