Whenever I dream about love or having a crush on someone, it’s always the same person from my past—someone I knew in both kindergarten and high school. In these dreams, our connection never seems to be reciprocated, which leaves me feeling sad. In one instance, I saw my old classmates, him, and a few others in one of my school’s gyms. We were split into boys and girls, possibly for a dance class. I desperately hoped he would choose me as his dance partner, and I even giggled with another girl about it. But he never did, and I ended up running out in tears. A girl I didn’t know very well came to comfort me, wiping my eyes and assuring me everything would be okay. It felt like everyone knew exactly why I was crying, as though they understood that I liked him. I eventually found myself in a dressing room or bathroom area, still crying, and then walked onto a stage with smeared makeup. He noticed me from the crowd, ran after me, and asked me what I was doing. I yelled at him in frustration, telling him he should already know how I felt, and then the dream suddenly ended.
Later that same night, I dreamed I was back in school but in another gym. Some classmates were there, along with unfamiliar faces. We were doing a P.E. class focused on aerial dance. I felt embarrassed because I wasn’t very good and wanted to impress everyone—especially him. When the teacher asked who wanted a key to the gym to practice, I quickly volunteered. A helpful stranger taught me some moves, but soon everyone, including my two cats, came back. One cat escaped its carrier and was clearly frightened, while the other wouldn’t stop meowing. Feeling overwhelmed, I tried to calm them down and push them gently back into the carrier. It all left me so anxious and self-conscious that I almost cried. Then I woke up, thinking, “What was that?” The odd thing is, I’m not sure I ever truly had a crush on this person in real life, although he once admitted to liking me during a game of Truth or Dare. We never discussed it, likely because I was too shy and didn’t know how to handle it. Now, I find myself confused every time I dream about him, caught between the intense feelings I have within the dream and the reality that these emotions disappear when the dream ends. I don’t really know what it all means, and I’m hoping for some guidance.
These dreams may highlight lingering feelings of regret and the yearning for closure or acceptance from someone you once shared a meaningful connection with. The repeated theme of being unable to receive the attention or affection you desire could represent unresolved emotions, possibly tied to how you handle self-expression or vulnerability. On some level, your subconscious might be prompting you to confront these past uncertainties, encouraging open communication or acknowledging your own unmet needs.
At the same time, the settings—from gymnasiums to stages—often signify personal growth and performance anxiety. In your dream, trying to impress others and dealing with your distressed cats may symbolize how you juggle emotional burdens while seeking validation. If you find the same person resurfacing in your dreams whenever you think about love, it could be a sign that parts of your past remain emotionally unfinished. Exploring these feelings in a gentle and honest way could help you address old fears, boost your self-confidence, and set healthier boundaries moving forward.
