They might also reflect concerns you have about infidelity in a new relationship. Dreams of this nature may indicate a need for closure with an ex. These types of dreams can occur even after you have broken up. For example, if you have been cheated on in your relationship, you are more likely to dream about infidelity than someone who has not. Some studies have shown that elements of a relationship can manifest in dreams. Research shows that dreams most frequently incorporate events one or seven days after the event experience. An ex showing up in your dreams may simply be part of memory consolidation.
Whether by scrolling through social media or bumping into them at the grocery store, seeing your ex can trigger their appearance in your dreams. A trained therapist can help you explore the meanings of these dreams and assist in processing your grief and trauma.
Dreaming about a deceased partner can be a tool for managing grief. Trauma can also come from the death of a partner or loved one. Research shows that stressful emotions and trauma during waking hours can impact your dreams. Past TraumaĪ possible cause for dreaming about an ex may be recalling past trauma in your relationship. You may also experience frustration, anger, sadness, or jealousy. However, your real-world feelings toward your ex do not necessarily have to be romantic ones. If you still have feelings for your ex, it’s unsurprising that they appear in your dreams because dreams can appear to replicate reality. One interpretation of seeing your ex in a dream is that you’re not quite over them. There is no single, exact meaning behind these types of dreams. However, dreaming about an ex can have multiple interpretations. Regardless of what theory you believe, dreaming about an ex can sometimes be disconcerting or worrisome. Settings and people from real life can appear in dreams, but dreams are not necessarily tied to a specific experience. As a result, individuals have unique dreams as they process pieces of their memories. Neurocognitive Theory: This theory proposes that dreams come from stored memories.The brain also provides a virtual reality model to practice for real-world interaction. Activation-Input-Modulation (AIM) Model: In this model, dreams are the brain’s response to high activity as you sleep.According to Freud, dreams are directly related to daytime experiences and reveal meaningful information to the dreamer. Psychodynamic Theory: Sigmund Freud believed dreams were a gateway to the unconscious mind.In contrast, a little over 17% of single people dreamed about former partners.īut if an ex appears in your dreams, what does it mean? The meaning you take away from any dream greatly depends on what dream theory or combination of theories you believe: In one study, 35% of people in a relationship dreamed about their current partner or an ex. Research shows the occurrence of an ex in dreams depends on your relationship status at the time of the dream. Parents, siblings, loved ones, and former partners can all make appearances in your dreams.ĭreams about former partners are not uncommon. You might see strangers or unfamiliar faces, or you might see people you know. In recalled dreams, people see an average of four characters. Keep in mind that seeing people you know in a dream is quite common. Some types of dreams can even impact your sleep quality. If you have a vivid dream about your ex, you might feel sad, surprised, or confused. Dreaming about an ex can stir up a number of emotions.