Humankind has been trying to solve the mystery of dreams for as long as they’ve existed. Today there is even a special discipline in the study of dreams called oneirology. Those who prefer the esoteric side of things over science love to interpret their dreams according to various dream books and believe that they can predict the future. But psychologists think that dreams accurately reflect our current condition and that our subconscious tries to tell us something important via dreams from time to time.
We at Bright Side have learned that there are dreams that are common for all of us. Each of us sees these types of dreams every now and then. These dreams are caused by our ancient instincts, a cultural code, the experience of our ancestors, and personal experience. A psychologist and an expert in the field of dreams, Patricia Garfield, calls them “universal dreams” and says, “Like a hearty stew that is rich with local produce, the universal dreams differ among different peoples, but they are all nourishing variants of the same wholesome meal. They are as old as humanity and as widespread as our globe.”
1. Falling
In adulthood, we see falling more often than flying. According to the psychologist Ian Wallace, a dream about falling symbolizes the fear of losing control. You can’t control something in your life anymore because some drastic changes that you were not ready for took place in your life. Think about what sphere of life (work, relationships, finances, health, etc.) you feel most suppressed or vulnerable in as well as the ways to correct it.
Some scientists explain dreams about falling with simple physiology. As the body is sinking into sleep, the nerve system starts to calm down, your blood pressure and heart rate decrease and your falling asleep brain (especially if it was overwhelmed during the day) can perceive this physiological change as danger or an approaching death and therefore, makes you wake up suddenly.
The opposite version of this dream is flying which signifies freeing oneself from some hard burden and getting the desirable freedom.
2. Teeth that fall out and injuries
Our subconscious interprets teeth as an indicator of strength, and an ability to “bite off” a piece of the world. “Perhaps, you have recently been feeling unarmed and helpless in the real world,” Penney Peirce explains.
Patricia Garfield, another expert who’s studied dreams for many years, connects dreams about teeth falling out with hidden anger. As a rule, when we suppress anger, we clench our jaw, and our teeth might start to creak and grind. This dream might be signaling that it’s high time to get rid of negative feelings.
We often have dreams where someone close to us is wounded or sick. Those dreams cause consternation; however, from psychology’s point of view, things are not that bad. It’s simply our fears of the future and inevitable changes with those close to us. If you see your own death, it means that some part of you is dying and staying in the past to give space to something new.
“Opposite” dreams about birth and recovery usually appear when something new is taking place in a person’s life (like a new job or project) and symbolize a new experience.
3. Failure at an exam or public performance
You’re about to take an exam and suddenly realize that you don’t remember anything or you can’t say a word when standing in front of a big crowd. These dreams might be experienced not only by students and school kids but also by people who have graduated a long time ago. It’s likely that you had some stress shortly before going to sleep or was extremely worried about something. In this case, it’s better to take a short break and relax.
4. Being chased or persecuted
Such dreams have several different meanings. An expert in the field of dreams named Lauri Loewenberg says, “People that tend to avoid conflict, who are afraid of ruffling feathers or causing issues will have the recurring dream of being chased.”
Pay attention to the thing chasing you — they symbolize an unpleasant feeling or situation that you try not to think about in real life. It can be debt or addiction. Are you chased by a person you know? Think about what or who you associate this person with. They might indicate some other person or even a part of your personality that you don’t want to admit (like a hidden talent or aspiration) in your dream.
There’s also a theory saying that dreams about running away from someone are simply the echoes of primitive instincts that are in our genes thanks to our ancestors. All because they were constantly running from predators.
5. Inappropriate clothes or an absence of any
In your dream, you turn up in a public place wearing inappropriate clothes or not wearing anything at all. In this situation, it’s important to pay attention to the feelings you encountered in your dream. These dreams are usually followed by a feeling of shame and embarrassment.
Psychologist Ian Wallace notes, “It means that you feel vulnerable at your new job or in your new relationship and are afraid that others will learn about your weaknesses and disadvantages.” However, if you don’t feel any shame in your dream but instead feel proud of yourself, the dream has the opposite meaning. Perhaps you feel a lack of recognition and admiration and would like others to see your talents as well as your personality more.
6. A catastrophe or an apocalypse
We’ve all dreamed about natural or man-made disasters where we’re scared for our own lives and the lives of those close to us. These dreams might indicate personal problems that have gotten out of control or are a result of feeling threatened by something. Of course, constant messages in the media about catastrophes and terrorist acts worsen the situation. As a result, we start feeling vulnerable in the modern world.
Sometimes, when having a nightmare, we try to shout out loud but feel that our voice has left us, which causes an even bigger fear. Psychologists explain it as sleep paralysis. During the last phase of sleep, when we have dreams, our brain purposefully paralyzes the body so that we can lie still and not “live” in our sleep by running, jumping, etc. People who have sleep paralysis usually wake up before the end of the last phase and enter a state between sleep and reality for a short period. This can be felt as an inability to move, speak, and, in some cases, breathe.
7. Faulty equipment or vehicles
You try to use some gadget or device, and it breaks right away. For example, your phone stops working, and you can’t call anyone. According to Patricia Garfield, these dreams are more often experienced by women and symbolize worries about relationships or losing an emotional connection with someone.
Dreams in which you’re trying to operate a vehicle that doesn’t work properly or breaks down are in the same category. You are likely missing support and can’t cope with a difficult life situation by yourself.
8. Pregnancy
As strange as it might sound, it’s not only women who can have dreams about pregnancy. A psychologist name David Bedrick says, “Pregnancy symbolizes something new growing inside us.” You subconsciously dream about “giving birth” to a new fascinating creative project. It can be anything from writing a book to repairing a house. It’s time to set a goal and show the world how you can take on this new role.
If you’re not pregnant in real life, you may be seeking fulfillment after having such a dream.
9. Being late
Dreams that have you running after a departing train or running late for an important meeting can occur quite often. According to a dream expert, Michael R. Olsen, they can symbolize the fear of missing out on something very important in your relationships or in the upbringing of your child, for example. If you’re constantly overwhelmed and don’t have much time to accomplish things in real life, your subconscious is signaling that it’s time for you to reconsider your schedule and free up time for really important things.
10. An unknown room
Dreams about new rooms are about self-knowledge. If you find yourself in an unknown house in your dream, it means that you don’t know yourself well and try to neglect some sides of your character. A separate unfamiliar room symbolizes that you have a hidden talent, skill, or opportunity that you don’t use.
A psychotherapist named Eddie Traversa thinks that we subconsciously associate some rooms with certain processes. A kitchen is a place where products get transformed into a finished dish which means that you’re currently going through some inner changes. A bathroom is a symbol of freeing oneself from unnecessary baggage. It might symbolize that it’s time to get rid of something that is not needed any longer. A bathroom is a symbol of cleansing and it means that you feel the necessity to clarify things or see them in a different light. A bedroom signifies the things that worry you in your romantic relationship.
Have you ever experienced any of these dreams or do you usually see something different? Please tell us about it in the comments!
Dating Disasters Turned Comedy Gold: 9 Jokes You Can’t Miss!
Dating can be a minefield of awkward moments, unexpected mishaps, and unforgettable blunders. But sometimes, the worst dates make for the best laughs!
We’ve all been there — navigating the tricky waters of romance, only to end up with a story that’s more “oops” than “aww.” From blind date mishaps to creative loyalty tests, dating disasters are universal. But why cry over spilled wine at dinner when you can laugh about it instead?
We’ve rounded up nine hilarious jokes inspired by dating misadventures. Whether you’re single, taken, or somewhere in between, these punchlines will make your heart skip a beat — this time, from laughter!
A laughing woman | Source: Pexels
The Sunday School Surprise
I was swiping through a dating app and matched with someone who didn’t have a profile picture. Desperate for a change, I decided to take a chance and meet her.
I wasn’t expecting much, maybe someone a little rough around the edges, but when I arrived, I was floored. She was stunning: 5’2″, baby blue eyes, strawberry blonde hair, and all the right curves.
A young blonde woman | Source: Pexels
Impressed, I asked what she did for a living. “I teach Sunday school,” she said.
I’d never dated a Christian girl before, but I was intrigued. On the drive to dinner, I lit a cigarette and asked if she cared for one.
“Oh, heavens no,” she replied, “What would I tell my Sunday school children?”
A couple in a cafe | Source: Pexels
Fair enough, I thought. Some people smoke, some don’t.
At the restaurant, I ordered steak, she got lobster, and I requested the second-most expensive bottle of wine on the menu. When the wine arrived, she declined a glass.
“You don’t drink?” I asked, surprised.
A couple drinking coffee | Source: Pexels
She shook her head. “Oh, heavens no, what would I tell my Sunday school children?”
The dinner and conversation were amazing, but I couldn’t quite figure her out. On the drive home, I passed a cheap motel and figured, why not take a chance?
“Want to get a room and fool around?” I asked nervously.
A motel sign | Source: Pexels
She winked and said, “I thought you’d never ask!”
Surprised, I laughed and teased, “Really? What are you going to tell your Sunday school children about this?”
She grinned mischievously and said, “The same thing I tell them every week: You don’t have to smoke or drink to have a good time!”
A smiling blonde woman | Source: Freepik
The Widow’s Wardrobe Wisdom
Dorothy and Edna, two elderly widows, are talking.
Dorothy says, “That nice George Johnson asked me out for a date. I know you went out with him last week, and I wanted to talk with you about him before I give him my answer.”
Two elderly friends talking | Source: Pexels
Edna replies, “Well, I’ll warn you about what happened last week! George showed up at my apartment punctually at 7 P.M., dressed like such a gentleman in a fine suit, and he brought me such beautiful flowers!
Then he took me downstairs, and what was there but a luxury car… a limousine, uniformed chauffeur and all.
An elegant man | Source: Freepik
“Then he took me out for dinner… a marvelous dinner. Lobster, champagne, dessert, and after-dinner drinks. Then we went to see a show. Let me tell you, Dorothy, I enjoyed it so much I could have just died from pleasure! BUT THEN when we were coming back to my apartment, he turns into an ANIMAL!”
Dorothy exclaims, “Goodness gracious! What do you mean?”
A shocked elderly woman | Source: Pexels
“He tore my expensive dress off!”
“So, I shouldn’t go on a date with him?” Dorothy asks.
“No, I’m just saying… wear an old dress.”
A smiling elderly woman | Source: Pexels
Thomas’ Mom and Dad Dilemma
Thomas, 32, is still single. His friend asks, “Why haven’t you found a wife? Haven’t you met anyone you like?”
Thomas replies, “Oh, I’ve met plenty of wonderful women. But when I introduce them to my mom, she always disapproves.”
Two male friends talking | Source: Pexels
The friend suggests, “Easy fix—find someone just like your mom!”
Months later, they meet again. The friend asks, “So, did you try my advice?”
Thomas sighs, “I found a woman just like my mom. She’s perfect, and my mom adores her.”
“So, what’s the problem?”
A happy couple | Source: Pexels
“My dad can’t stand her.”
Blind Date Backup Plan
I went on a blind date with someone I met on a dating app. Neither of us had profile pictures, but I consider myself quite handsome. Still, I was nervous. What if she wasn’t my type?
A nervous man | Source: Pexels
Thankfully, I found an app called “Mom, Are You OK?” It schedules your phone to ring right after meeting your date. If you like them, you ignore the call. If not, you answer, “Mom? What’s wrong?” and quickly exit.
When I knocked on her door, my worries disappeared. She was absolutely stunning. But before I could say a word, her phone rang.
A happy woman talking on her phone | Source: Pexels
“Mom? What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
The Perfect Catch
A man is dining alone in a fancy restaurant when he notices a stunning redhead at the next table. Though he’s too shy to say hello, he can’t stop glancing her way.
Suddenly, she sneezes, and much to his surprise, a glass eye flies out of its socket, hurtling straight at him. He catches it mid-air with lightning reflexes and hands it back to her.
A man holding a glass eyeball | Source: Midjourney
Embarrassed, she says, “I’m so sorry! Please, let me buy your dinner to make it up to you.”
He joins her, and they have dinner, watch a show, order drinks, and have a deep conversation. At the end of the night, she invites him over, and he stays.
The next morning, she whips up a gourmet breakfast. Amazed, he says, “You’re absolutely perfect. Are you this kind to every guy you meet?”
A smiling man in bed | Source: Pexels
She smiles and replies, “Nope. You just happened to catch my eye.”
The Gym’s Secret Attraction Machine
After a tough breakup, I decided to turn my life around. Step one: Hit the gym to get back in shape and maybe catch the attention of someone special.
At the gym, I asked the trainer, “Which machine here will help me attract the most beautiful women?”
A man talking to a coach in a gym | Source: Pexels
He sized me up, paused, and said, “The ATM outside.”
A Mixed-Up Christmas Surprise
A man decides to buy his new girlfriend a Christmas present. Since they’ve only been dating for three weeks, he wants something thoughtful but not overly personal. He settles on a pair of elegant gloves.
A shopping mall during Christmas | Source: Pexels
To ensure he picks the right style, he asks her younger sister to come along and offer her opinion. The sister points out a chic pair of white gloves at the store, which he purchases. While shopping, the sister also buys herself a pair of panties.
Unbeknownst to them, the cashier accidentally swaps the packages. The man unknowingly ends up with the panties in the gift box instead of the gloves.
Two gift boxes | Source: Pexels
Feeling proud of his choice, he pens a heartfelt note to include with the gift:
My Dearest,
I chose these because I noticed you don’t usually wear any when we go out in the evenings.
If it weren’t for your sister, I’d have picked the longer style with buttons, but she said the shorter ones are easier to take off.
A man writing a note | Source: Pexels
They’re a delicate shade, but the saleswoman assured me they won’t show wear even after being used for three weeks. She even tried them on for me, and they looked fantastic!
I wish I could be there to help you put them on the first time. I’m sure others will handle them before I get the chance to see you again, but that’s okay.
When you take them off, don’t forget to blow inside to keep them fresh. They may feel a little damp after wearing, which is perfectly natural.
A white glove | Source: Freepik
Just think about how many times I’ll kiss them throughout the year. I hope you’ll wear them on Christmas Eve for me.
P.S. The latest trend is to fold them down slightly to let a bit of fur show.
A woman wearing white leather gloves | Source: Midjourney
The $5,000 Test
A man is dating three women and struggling to decide which one he should marry. To make his choice easier, he comes up with a test.
He gives each woman $5,000 and observes what they do with the money.
An envelope with money | Source: Pexels
The first woman spends all the money on herself. She visits an upscale salon for a makeover, buys a new wardrobe, and splurges on accessories. She tells him, “I wanted to look my best for you because I love you.”
The man is impressed.
A woman in a SPA | Source: Pexels
The second woman uses the money to buy him gifts. She gets him a premium set of golf clubs, upgrades his computer, and buys him tailored suits. Handing him the presents, she says, “I spent it all on you because I want to make you happy—I love you.”
Again, the man is impressed.
A shocked man | Source: Pexels
The third woman invests the money in the stock market. After making a significant profit, she returns his $5,000 and places the rest into a joint account. She explains, “I wanted to grow our future together because I love you.”
The man is blown away by her financial savvy.
He thinks long and hard about the women and their choices.
A man deep in thought | Source: Pexels
Finally, he marries the one with the biggest breasts.
Love and Semantics
An elderly couple, both widowed, had been dating for quite some time. After much encouragement from their friends, they finally decided to tie the knot.
One evening, before the wedding, they sat down for dinner to discuss finances, living arrangements, and so forth.
An elderly couple talking | Source: Pexels
Eventually, the gentleman cleared his throat and cautiously broached a sensitive topic: their physical relationship.
“How do you feel about making love?” he asked hesitantly.
The lady thought for a moment, then replied with a gentle smile, “I would like it infrequently.”
A woman with a soft smile | Source: Pexels
The man sat in thoughtful silence, adjusted his glasses, leaned closer, and softly asked, “Is that one word or two?”
Liked these jokes? Here are some more!
Marriage Counseling with a Twist
After 30 years of marriage, a husband and wife sit in front of a therapist. The wife starts in on a long list of grievances: “He doesn’t listen to me, he’s distant, we haven’t been close in ages. I feel neglected, lonely, unloved…”
A couple in therapy | Source: Pexels
She keeps going and going, pouring out years of frustration. Finally, the therapist stands up, walks around his desk, and approaches the wife.
He asks her to stand and proceeds to lean in and give her a long, passionate kiss. The husband looks on in surprise, and the wife? She’s left completely speechless by the intensity of their therapist’s kiss.
A shocked woman | Source: Pexels
The therapist turns to the husband and says, “Your wife needs this at least three times a week if you’re serious about saving your marriage. Can you manage that?”
The husband sits there, thinking for a moment before responding, “Well, sure. I can bring her by on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.”
A couple in therapy | Source: Pexels
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