What Common Dreams About Love Interests Really Mean

You have finally worked up the nerve to tell your love interest you like them. And good news: They feel the same way you do. You’re moving in for the kiss, but then… poof! You awaken in bed. Alone. But what does it really mean when you dream about that special someone?

It most likely means that something to do with a said crush is at the front of your mind. “We seem to dream about what is on our mind a lot,” certified dream analyst Lauri Loewenberg says. “Dreaming of your love interest is totally normal and is often the way possibilities are explored by the subconscious mind.”

These dreams aren’t always just about the person you’re actively crushing on, she adds. You may also encounter an unfamiliar lover, former sweetheart, or celeb crush — the scenarios vary (as is the case with, well, most dreams). These experiences at night can also take a more sinister turn if you dream about getting rejected by your beloved. Whatever’s happening in your mind as you sleep, your dream is telling you something— here’s how to decode it.

What It Means When You Dream About Your Real, Current Love Interest

Let’s begin with the basics: What does it mean when you dream about a person you like? Unsurprisingly, dreaming about your current crush is a way for your mind to fulfill that real-life attraction, Loewenberg says. If you’re reminiscing about your boo all day, it makes sense you’d see them in your dreams, too. And assume you’re noticing that you’re having these dreams a lot. In that situation, it might be a sign that you want to reveal your true feelings to them, and your brain is telling you to just go for it now.

This kind of dream also enables you to explore the possibility of this relationship more than you might in waking time, she adds. Dreams can give you insights into your emotions, according to Loewenberg, so reiterating what happened while you dreamed can probably help you make sense of your emotions come dawn.

What It Means When You Dream About An Old Crush

What does it mean when you start to dream about a person you used to be interested in? Digging up the past in slumber could symbolize that something happening in your real-life extracts previous experiences, Loewenberg says. This might actually be tied to your ex-crush: For instance, maybe you’re seeing someone new who makes you think of them.

These dreams can also occur when you encounter behavior patterns or a situation that reminds you of the past, she mentions. Take note of what elements copy your real life to understand what your subconscious might be showing you. These insights could help you figure out harmful or helpful dynamics in your modern relationships.

What It Means When You Dream Someone Has A Crush On You

Assume you have a dream that someone likes you. In that situation, it could be your subconscious highlighting your favorite personal characteristics, Loewenberg says. If your crush notices you or compliments you, it is likely you feel this way about yourself. How’s that for a sweet dream?

On other occasions, it’s best to take these visions literally. Loewenberg states that dreams like this are often your intuition interacting with you. If you dream that somebody has an interest in you and it gives you butterflies, chances are you’re crushing on them in real life. If you dream someone likes you, but you don’t care for them back, it means that new opportunity doesn’t interest you.

What It Means When You Dream That You’re Rejected By Your Love Interest

Better this occurs while you sleep than in real life, right? These sorts of dreams could also be your intuition working, Loewenberg claims. “This may be your intuition telling you that this may not work out and equipping you for it,” she says. But not all is lost. She suggests asking yourself if this dream is really just a manifestation of your own doubts instead of a sign that your crush isn’t feeling it.