Q. I love my boyfriend of two years but I keep having dreams about my ex. What does this mean?
A. Daydreaming is normal, and fantasies are usually breathtaking. But, when you’re sleeping-maybe even next to your significant other-and dreaming about your ex, it could be trouble.
Dreaming of your ex could mean one of many things:
* You still significantly care-or lust-for him.
* You’re over him and would run a marathon to get away from your past with him.
* Your present relationship is not exactly the paradise you had envisioned.
You may want to evaluate how much you think about your ex during an active day. Is it enough to keep you from focusing in your classes? Does it make you want to call him for a midnight visit? If so, maybe you should think twice about who you’re with now.
If your current boyfriend is a keeper, don’t jeopardize what you have with him just because of some bizarre dreams. But, if you don’t see yourself getting over your ex, and you believe these dreams are trying to tell you something, change your current lifestyle with your boyfriend.
Your boyfriend deserves to know the truth if you decide you two aren’t going to work out. But spare his feelings and keep those steamy detailed dreams to yourself.
If sights and smells that remind you of him conjure up vivid images of your ex, it could just mean he’s a thing of the past. This is normal, you’re in the clear. It’s impossible to be in a current relationship and not think about your ex at some point.
Are these dreams juicy enough to put out a forest fire? Or could they run on a PBS documentary fit for your grandmother to watch? Either way, you’re probably safe relying on the fact that you love your boyfriend.
Even if you dream of you and your ex sweltering between the sheets, it could just be a phase-one your boyfriend doesn’t need to be aware of.
However, sometimes your subconscious mind is trying to tell you what you miss from your past relationship, especially if it’s an ongoing problem you have with your current boyfriend.
Whether seeing your ex’s last name on television or just driving by the last place you kissed inspires your dreams, don’t worry about it too much. It happens to the best of us.
It could very well be just another chapter in your confusing college life. In any case, enjoy your nighttime creations and don’t let them get in the way of your daytime reality.
Crystal will answer readers’ questions. E-mail questions to [email protected]