In relationships, countless factors determine the strength of the bond between two people. A major factor is communication. Author Ernest Hemingway uses this theme in his short story “Hills Like White Elephants.” “The story features a couple who appear to be having a conversation; Hemingway gives few details about the characters' pasts but gives the audience a vivid insight into their disturbing conversation and poor communication skills. Communication has a direct influence on relationships; Positive communication results in a successful relationship while negative communication results in an unsuccessful relationship. The lack of communication between the American and the girl is a problem. A main theme of the story is conversation versus communication. The couple speaks technically but they don't really understand each other. This poor communication between them causes frustration which manifests itself from the introduction of the characters. “Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay “They look like white elephants…” “I’ve never seen one…” “No, you wouldn’t have. ' 'I could have...just because you say I wouldn't have done it doesn't prove anything'” (Hemingway 635). The man seems hostile towards the girl, especially when she tells him that he has never seen a white elephant before, which puts him on the defensive. The tension is felt and the audience quickly understands that the couple are not really discussing the main subject that is taking place; Just like a “white elephant in the room,” it’s something that no one wants or wants to address. "'And if I do it, you will be happy and things will be the same and you will love me?' 'I love you now. You know I love you’” (Hemingway 637). In this example, the man proposes an operation to the girl that he wants to perform on her; which is considered an abortion. Poor communication leads the man to say anything to convince the girl to have surgery. He doesn't seem to really mean what he says; instead, he just says the things he thinks the girl wants to hear. His persistence, combined with his indecision, almost leads the girl to have an abortion just to keep him quiet. “I would do anything for you.” “Would you please…please stop talking?” » (Hemingway 638). Both characters have difficulty expressing themselves, leading them to never say anything meaningful and constantly dancing around the main problem ("the white elephant"). Poor communication in their relationship is their biggest problem, which is reflected throughout the story's dialogue. The couple's future looks problematic as they are on the verge of making a life-changing decision without expressing themselves sincerely or understanding each other. Lack of communication is an ongoing problem that occurs throughout "Hills Like White Elephants." “The downfall of the main characters comes solely from their inability to understand themselves; it leaves them both uncomfortable and frustrated when they abandon an important decision. Due to the characters' inability to truly understand and express themselves, the audience witnesses the effects of poor communication in a relationship. In all aspects of a relationship, communication is “important and essential” and proven to be a thriving factor in successful relationships by “making it easier to manage conflict and build a healthier partnership” (Brook 1). This statement reiterates the direct influence between communication and relationships. Keep in mind: this is just one.