Put Yourself in Someone Else's Shoes

What Does It Mean?

The idiom “put yourself in someone else’s shoes” means to imagine yourself in another person’s situation so you can understand how they feel or why they act a certain way.

It’s a call for empathy—the ability to emotionally understand what others are experiencing from their perspective.

Origin of the Phrase

While the exact origin is unclear, the concept dates back centuries. One of the earliest known written uses appears in a letter by George Herbert (1593–1633), an English poet and priest, who wrote:

“If you would be understood, seek to understand.”

The modern phrasing became popular in the 19th and 20th centuries as psychology and social awareness grew.

Why Empathy Matters

Practicing this mindset helps us:

• Build stronger relationships
• Reduce conflict and misunderstanding
• Make fairer and more compassionate decisions
• Create inclusive communities

In workplaces, schools, and families, empathy is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence.

Real-Life Examples

Try This Exercise

Next time you disagree with someone:

1. Pause and take a breath.
2. Ask yourself: “What might they be feeling right now?”
3. Imagine their background, stressors, or hopes.
4. Respond with curiosity, not judgment.

Small shifts in perspective can lead to big changes in connection.