“Perhaps we saw them earlier that day, or we tend to see them frequently throughout the day – or we’re thinking about a big work project coming up, and they have some association with this,” she says.
Dr Matutyte says a dream about a co-worker can represent collaboration, teamwork, or show that your professional life is on your mind.
She adds: “Pay attention to the dynamics and feelings within the dream, as they might reflect your thoughts about work relationships or projects.”
When you dream about a… friend
“Dreaming about a friend or ex-friend often mirrors aspects of your social connections and emotional bonds,” Dr Matutyte says. “Positive dreams may signify feelings of support, while challenging dreams may point to unresolved conflicts or changes in the relationship dynamic.”
Skinner adds that, if you find yourself dreaming about an ex-friend, you may be working through loss, grief, emotional instability, or uncertainty about the connection, or wondering how they are.
When you dream about a… partner
This is more likely to be practical, especially if you live with your other half and see them every day and sleep next to them each night. You may see that person as a form of security, which is why they could accompany you in your dreams.
When you dream about an… ex
No one wants to be dreaming about an ex, but these types of dreams could be telling on your subconscious.
“Dreams featuring ex-partners delve into your romantic and emotional world,” Dr Matutyte says. “They can signify longing, unresolved emotions, or reflections on the current state of your romantic life.”
When you dream about a… group of people
Whether it’s a group of friends, family members, acquaintances, or strangers – the ‘type’ of people you dream about could be telling.
“If it’s a seemingly-random group of people, it might be interesting to see if you can see some consistencies or a theme emerging,” Skinner says. “Perhaps they’re all people you associate with a certain emotion, quality or activity. Or, more simply, they could be a group of people you see in a similar way, and so you might process emotions related to the group as a whole.”
Dr Matutyte adds that dreaming about a group of people can be about social dynamics, acceptance, or conformity.
“Pay attention to the feelings and interactions within the dream to uncover insights into your social connections and sense of belonging,” she says.
When you dream about a… celebrity
I mean, who doesn’t want to be dreaming about Harry Styles? Dr Matutyte says dreaming about someone famous can symbolise aspirations, desires, or certain qualities you admire.
“Alternatively, it may represent a desire for recognition or validation in certain aspects of your life,” she adds.
Skinner says that it may also indicate that you are processing information related to your feelings about this specific person.
“For example, a politician could be related to anxiety about global events, or a self-help celebrity figure could be related to thoughts about your own wellbeing,” she explains.
When you dream about a… family member
“Dreams about family members, whether living or deceased, often carry deep emotional significance,” Dr Matutyte says. “They may reflect unresolved emotions, familial bonds, or your need for connection and support.”
Skinner adds that, as grief is a major experience to process, working through it can take much longer than we anticipate, which is why a beloved family member may pop up in our dreams from time to time.