Many times in relationships, we don’t always see eye-to-eye with our partners. For whatever reason, we can’t seem to put ourselves in their shoes and see things from their point-of-view. This is the reason that many relationships end in failure—an inability to compromise, communicate and truly understand.

One short story shares an insightful, deep, and honest take on why couples struggle to understand each other. As with many short stories, the underlying message is one that truly hits home.

The story is about a man being crushed by a stone, and the woman being bitten by a snake. Both the man and the woman are screaming in pain and agony, but neither is in a position in which they can see the true reason behind each other’s pain.

In all honesty, this could not be any more perfect. We don’t live in our SO’s shoes and follow them around all day, every day. There are many moments, pressures, and stresses that our partner will be under that we will never see nor know. We can’t always expect to know everything, and instead, should be more patient and understanding—and, allow for moments of communication and honesty, to truly make our relationship work.

h/t: BoredPanda.