Keep dreaming about an old crush? Here’s the top 10 reasons why

You wake up. You’re sweating and confused—but actually, a bit excited too.

You just dreamt of a person you once had the hots for.

But why? Why did you suddenly remember this old crush in your dreams? Does this mean anything?

It can be easy to jump to conclusions about things like this, but there’s actually a long list of possible reasons why this happened to you.

There are 10 main reasons why you might keep dreaming about an old crush.

Read on to determine which ones apply to you!

Top 10 reasons why you’ve been dreaming about an old crush

1) You’ve been lonely

Dreaming of an old crush can simply mean that you’ve been feeling lonely.

We all do sometimes, right?

So, even if you no longer have any feelings for your old crush, your subconscious mind might be bringing them up in your dreams as a substitute for social interaction.

Maybe you haven’t realized it yet or maybe it’s hard to admit, but this is a good sign that you’re lacking social contact.

Look back…

Have you been spending enough time with your friends and family? It’s definitely possible that you’ve been overfocusing on work or have been isolating yourself too much!

If so, go out and spend some time with your loved ones!

After all, we human beings are social animals and we need constant affirmation that we’re welcomed and valued by our peers.

2) You miss being intimate with someone

It can also be the case that you’re not craving social contact, but sexual and romantic contact instead!

And that’s totally normal!

Dreams about an old crush can directly indicate that you’re longing for intimacy.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that you want to have sex with them. Instead, it’s likely a sign that you miss the feeling of being intimate with someone or desire them sexually.

Essentially, this means that your current romantic and sexual life needs some re-energizing!

3) It’s a symptom of anxiety

Dreams about someone you liked before can also be the result of negative emotions or chaotic psychological states.

Let me put it differently…

More specifically, such dreams can be the manifestation of feelings of insecurity, uncertainty, and anxiety.

Examine yourself and the circumstances in your life right now:

  • Have you been experiencing low-self esteem?
  • Have you been having a hard time dealing with insecurities?
  • Have you been having issues propping yourself up lately?
  • Is there an upcoming event that’s causing you to feel anxious such as a big job interview, an important exam, or a difficult conversation with a loved one?

Your mind might have picked this ex-crush of yours to symbolize these thoughts and feelings.

After all, we often feel nervous around our crushes because we fear rejection or feel inadequate for them, right?

4) You’re overcompensating for something

Dreaming of your old crush might also mean that you’re trying to fight off psychological distress.

You might appear well and good on the outside, but things are definitely not going so well on the inside.

Does this sound like you?

Just as people stress-eat or turn to alcohol to cope with stress and negative emotions, conjuring up these dreams might be your mind’s way of distracting you from life’s current challenges.

Remember, however, that these are just distractions or defense mechanisms at the end of the day, not concrete solutions.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if you need it.

5) You’re not fulfilling your ambitions

Although seemingly irrelevant, dreams about old lovers can be indicative of your professional journey.

Weird, right? But let me go into more detail…

More specifically, dreaming of an old crush is likely a sign that you’re unsatisfied with your current job.

Now, perhaps you’re pretty good at your job and maybe your boss is all right too. It feels safe and familiar, and it’s more than tolerable—but nothing more.

You can’t shake the feeling that you can do something better and be someone bigger.

And you know what? You probably can!

Answer these questions:

  • Do you feel like you’re stagnating at your current job and not growing anymore?
  • Do you feel like your job isn’t conducive to the journey you want to take toward your goals and ambitions?
  • Are you bored just thinking of going to the office?

Dreams about old crushes can simply mean that you want significant changes in your life. If you answered yes to the questions above, then you know what to do.

6) You think you would’ve been really good together

Whether they rejected you or you never confessed, you guys never became a couple and you still somewhat regret that.

This is even if you no emotionally longer desire them. Maybe you really think that you had the chemistry to make a great couple.

So sometimes, your mind just can’t help but fantasize about how good it would’ve been to date this person.

Either way, dwelling on it for too long won’t help.

You might even blind yourself from romantic opportunities that’ll present themselves to you!

You simply need to take a deep breath and move on.

7) You’re doing the same old things with a new partner

If you constantly dream about your old crush or ex, then maybe you’re also constantly seeing similar patterns in your current relationship.

Here’s what you can do…

If you remember your dreams, then try to replay them in your head. Compare them to the patterns and tendencies in your current relationship:

  • Are there any striking similarities?
  • Do the two people share similar qualities?
  • Do you express your love to them in the same ways?
  • Most importantly, are you encountering the same problems?

If the answer is yes, then you need to work on rewriting these patterns in your life.

What if you could change this, and as a result change your life?

You see, so much of what we believe to be reality is just a construction. We can actually reshape that to create fulfilling lives that are in line with what matters most to us.

The truth is:

You can achieve limitless potential by shedding the social conditioning and unrealistic expectations imposed by your family, education system, and religion.

This is what the renowned shaman, Rudá Iandé, explains in this free video.

According to him, you can free yourself from mental chains and discover your core being.

Rudá’s powerful approach challenges you to look deeper and align your dreams with reality.

Take the first step with his unique method.

Here’s a link to the free video again.

8) You have problems with your current partner

Are your dreams about your ex or old crush sweet, happy, and romantic?

If so, this likely means that you’re quite unhappy with the relationship you have now. Thus, you fantasize about the good times you had with this old flame.

Hate to break it to you, but it’s likely a problem.

Not only does this mean that your relationship has unresolved issues… it also means that you’re either avoiding them or failing to address them properly and effectively.

Don’t fall into the trap of developing feelings for this ex-lover because of your dreams. Constantly comparing them to your current one is a sure-fire way to sabotage your relationship.

As nice as these memories and dreams of your ex are, remember that they too weren’t perfect.

Your old relationship also had its flaws, so make sure to learn from those past experiences for the good of your current relationship.

9) You’ve moved on

If you wake up calm and at peace after the dream about your old crush, that’s great news!

Regardless of what happened in the dream—whether you kissed them or had a fight or were rejected again—if you were left unfazed, then this means that you’ve completely moved on from them.

You’ve finally let go of any remaining affection or sense of regret. You’re completely at peace with the past and are looking forward to the future instead.

Good job!

10) You still can’t let go

I saved the best for last—this might’ve been your gut reaction to these dreams. And as hard as it is to admit, it’s definitely possible that…

You still love this person!

Yes, you’ve heard me right.

However, it’s not just about your feelings for this person either. You might have a hard time moving on from other things that surrounded your relationship with them.

Maybe you still regret past mistakes. Maybe you miss how your life was when they were still around. Maybe you liked yourself better back then.

If this is the case, then you’re likely in a rut. You’re stuck in the past and have a hard time facing the here and now.

Ultimately, you need to learn how to slowly let go of this baggage. Else, you risk stunting your personal growth, sabotaging your path to success, and preventing yourself from living life.

In what ways can you dream about an ex-crush?

You can dream about your former crush in a variety of ways.

Common dream scenarios about them include:

  • Flirting, kissing, or having sex with them;
  • Shouting at and arguing with them;
  • Breaking up with them ;
  • Then wanting you back;
  • Seeing them together with another person;
  • Seeing them get married and have a baby;
  • Having them ask to get back together and apologize.
  • Trying to look for them;

Here’s what some of these common dream scenarios tend to mean:

  • If you were being flirted to and seduced by an ex-lover or crush, then you need your loved ones (particularly your partner) to express their love more affectionately. It can also mean that you feel like you’re being misunderstood by them.
  • If you were being sexual with them, then this simply means that your sex life is unsatisfying. Your sexual needs are not being met and you likely need to assert them more.
  • If you were yelling at each other and arguing, then there is a lack of closure. You still harbor regret or resentment about this old lover and it’s likely affecting your current relationship.
  • If you were being pursued by your ex, it means that you’re still disappointed in the expectations that weren’t met in that relationship. Though frustrating, this might be your mind’s way of helping you process what you’ve experienced so you can finally move on.
  • If you dreamt of them having a family, this means that you’re actually moving on or have moved on. They’re entering a new chapter in life and probably so will you. In fact, it might even be foreshadowing from the universe that you’re about to have your own family!
  • If your old crush was apologizing to you and wanted to get back together, then it might be a reflection of your true wishes. People might be constantly disappointing you and you simply want them to finally do what you expect or need from them.
  • If you were saying farewell to each other,  you need to prepare for a new life chapter because it’s starting soon. While this might represent you finally moving on completely from this past love, it might also refer to other parts of your life.

Still, any of these scenarios can mean different things. So make sure to consider the context and the specifics of these dreams and your own life circumstances.

What do dreams about an ex-crush or lover mean spiritually?

According to numerous books about dreams, such dreams often represent the beginning of something new.

Sounds good, right?

Whether it’s receiving new opportunities, the start of new adventures, or gaining some new luck, something is definitely coming up in the future!

Alternatively, if you found the dream to be quite distressing or uncomfortable, then you were likely reminded of past failures or misfortunes.

Or, more directly, it can also simply mean that past issues still linger.

You might still love this person even if there is no chance of ever being with them. Maybe you thought that you’d moved on, but some feelings remain deep inside and are now resurfacing.

It can also be caused by current issues with your current relationship. If you are unsatisfied with how things are with your current partner, it’s easy to fantasize about the good times of an old relationship.

Some people also interpret these dreams as a message from the universe.

It’s trying to tell you that it has sensed your insecurity and self-doubt. It’s therefore nudging you forward to put yourself first so you can work on your own self-esteem.

Another thing it can be telling you: you’ve been single for too long and that it’s high time to find new love!

Why did I dream about crushing on a friend?

Dreams about loving or being in a relationship with a friend you otherwise have no romantic feelings for in the waking world can be… intriguing.

Yes, even if you don’t want to admit it, it can definitely indicate that you’ve subconsciously liked them all along.

Still, it can also mean that you’re simply yearning to be happy because you haven’t been so in a while.

After all, one of life’s greatest joys is being with beloved friends. We associate happiness with friends all the time.

So maybe you haven’t seen your friends in a long time and it’s finally time to catch up!

What if I was the one crushed on in the dream?

Dreaming of someone else having a crush on you might be your mind’s way of making you feel good!

It’s trying to remind you of your best parts, likely trying to inspire you to grow into an even better person.

Any compliments you receive in the dream probably also reflect the parts of yourself that you like.

Pretty sweet, huh?

However, sometimes dreams are quite literal too. You might simply be dreaming about this old crush actually liking you back (especially if they didn’t in real life).

It can also be your gut talking to you. Have a hunch that someone you know has a crush on you?

You’re probably right.

Or, if you were overjoyed about that person liking you in the dream, then you just might actually like them in real life.

You might’ve also dreamt of being liked by someone you’re not attracted to. If so, then an unpleasant event might be coming your way soon.

How about if I dream about celebrities?

Look, we can’t blame you if you’re dreaming about Henry Cavill or Ana de Armas (many of us do too).

Of course, the easiest explanation is that you simply have a light crush on that celebrity. While that can most definitely be the case, there can also be something more.

Dreaming about popular figures doesn’t always mean that you just find them attractive. It can also be because you relate to them or have traits that you admire and want to have yourself.

Maybe you want their charm, their eloquence, their humor, their wit, or their confidence.

Or maybe you just want to marry them—again, can’t blame you.

What does it mean if I dreamt about crushing on a stranger?

Having a romantic or sexual dream about a stranger can definitely be awkward, if not outright bothering.

However, these dreams are actually helping you recognize parts of yourself that you’re not fully aware of yet.

The important thing to consider about these dreams is the gender of the stranger.

Dreaming about a man is symbolic of your masculine qualities.

Conversely, if they were a woman, the dream is calling attention to your more feminine side.

Overall, the purpose of these dreams is to help you grow into a more well-rounded individual.

What do dreams about crushes on teachers mean?

Students, particularly those in high school or college, can find themselves dreaming romantically about their teachers.

This can happen to anyone, ok?

The thing is, it can definitely be a confusing experience, regardless if they’re actually attracted to their teachers or not.

Despite this, conventional wisdom about dreams states that these dreams actually symbolize personal growth and development.

That’s a good turn, huh?

Teachers are there to help us learn and become better people. It doesn’t matter if the teacher in your dream was a past or current teacher too.

So don’t fret as you should take this dream literally. It is simply the universe’s way of helping you grow, especially in a spiritual way.

It calls attention to the fact that you need to grow and nudges you in the right direction.

More specifically, it is most likely helping you to understand yourself better so you can fulfill your potential.

In fact, according to some folklore, dreams about loving teachers, mentors, or elders were actually considered to be signs of good luck!

What if I dream about crushing on a gender I’m not attracted to in real life?

Don’t worry.

Your sexuality is intact, we assure you.

If you’re straight, this does not mean you’re gay or vice-versa. Dreams like this are just like dreams about strangers. They reveal certain traits that you’re attracted to, admire, or want for yourself.

If you dream about men, then you’re likely drawn to masculine qualities like:

  • strength;
  • assertiveness;
  • and stoicism.

Meanwhile, dreams about women will mean that you value feminine characteristics such as:

  • gentleness;
  • sensitivity;
  • and intuition.

It can also mean that you’re proud to have such traits. For example, if you’re a straight woman and have dreamt of another woman, then it means that you take pride in your feminine traits.

What if my crush hugged me in the dream?

If you dream explicitly about hugs with a crush, it shows that you’re aware of your own desires.

You particularly want to feel comforted, protected, and loved—and you know it. Perhaps your needs about these things aren’t adequately fulfilled in real life.

And, again, you know it.

Maybe you simply don’t want to admit it or are having a hard time doing something about it.

If you’re in a relationship right now, then you should already know the answer: talk to them.

What does kissing my crush in a dream mean?

You’re kissing a crush in your dreams because you don’t get enough of it in the waking world.

Most likely…

Your current love life isn’t affectionate enough and you’re craving more passion and intimacy.

Or it can also be that you’re simply fantasizing about what you wanted in the past. Maybe you never got together with this past love and you’re now thinking about how it would’ve felt to love them.

Kissing is a very romantic and intimate act. So if you dream of doing this with your crush, then this just might not be any simple crush.

Your feelings for them are probably much deeper and more serious. You likely truly want to be in a relationship with them.

Essentially, you’re absolutely in love with them.

In dreams like this, taking them literally is the simplest and safest route. What happens in the dream is what you want to happen in real life.

If your crush kissed you in the dream, you want them to approach you. However, if you kissed them, then you want to make the move but have been too afraid of rejection.

What if I dreamt about my crush dying?

This isn’t a dream—it’s a downright nightmare. After all, regardless of how things turned out, most people wouldn’t wish death on their exes!

However, dreams of an ex’s death do not necessarily forecast their actual death. Rather, it’s meant to symbolize that your feelings for them are finally dying out too.

Isn’t that good news?

While this will allow you to finally move on, the end of any journey is often the most painful part, which is what these dreams essentially are.

So you must weather the storm in order to finally let go.

Your subconscious is telling you that it’s finally letting go of your emotions for them. As painful as it is, be relieved by it too. New beginnings are just on the horizon.

Death in dreams generally signifies a great transition in life: something is about to end and another is about to begin.

So, the meaning of this dream is crystal clear: their role in your life is done—and you need to move on for good.

What if I dreamt of getting back together with my crush?

Dreams like this can mean a whole bunch of things:

  • You might want to get back together with your old crush. This is especially true if you were close friends with them or if you’re actually exes.
  • You’re just generally missing them, even if you don’t necessarily want to rekindle your romantic bond.
  • Something important is about to happen. In fact, you just might get some great news real soon.

This upcoming event can even take the form of personal transformation.

Your inner spiritual self is being molded by certain forces, and you’re about to evolve into an even better version of yourself.

What if I can’t stop dreaming about this old crush?

If you’re constantly dreaming about your crush to the point that you feel deeply bothered by them, then something serious is at play.

Think of these criteria:

  • If your dreams about them are sweet, romantic, and positive, then you most likely still hold very deep feelings of love for them. Maybe you’ve been suppressing these emotions, but you have a very real desire to be with in real life.
  • If your dreams are negative and distressing, then it likely has nothing to do with this ex-crush at all. You probably have serious problems that you’re struggling to solve right now.

If you have another partner currently, then these issues are most likely about your relationship with them.

Not only are you having difficulty solving them, but you also can’t even bring yourself to talk to them about them in the first place.

But have you ever asked yourself why love is so hard?

Why can’t it be how you imagined growing up? Or at least make some sense…

When you’re dealing with relationship issues it’s easy to become frustrated and even feel helpless. You may even be tempted to throw in the towel and give up on love.

I want to suggest doing something different.

It’s something I learned from the world-renowned shaman Rudá Iandê. He taught me that the way to find love and intimacy is not what we have been culturally conditioned to believe.

In fact, many of us self-sabotage and trick ourselves for years, getting in the way of meeting a partner who can truly fulfill us.

As Rudá explains in this mind blowing free video, many of us chase love in a toxic way that ends up stabbing us in the back.

We get stuck in awful relationships or empty encounters, never really finding what we’re looking for and continuing to feel horrible about things like [issue the reader is facing].

We fall in love with an ideal version of someone instead of the real person.

We try to “fix” our partners and end up destroying relationships.

We try to find someone who “completes” us, only to fall apart with them next to us and feel twice as bad.

Rudá’s teachings showed me a whole new perspective.

While watching, I felt like someone understood my struggles to find and nurture love for the first time – and finally offered an actual, practical solution to moving on from your old destructive relationship patterns to the new, healthy way to build love.

If you’re done with unsatisfying dating, empty hookups, frustrating relationships and having your hopes dashed over and over, then this is a message you need to hear.

I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Click here to watch the free video.

Pearl Nash

Pearl Nash has years of experience writing relationship articles for single females looking for love. After being single for years with no hope of meeting Mr. Right, she finally managed to get married to the love of her life. Now that she’s settled down and happier than she’s ever been in her life, she's passionate about sharing all the wisdom she's learned over the journey. Pearl is also an accredited astrologer and publishes Hack Spirit's daily horoscope.

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