Page 120 - Cosmopolitan - UK (April 2020)
P. 120
Your
sex dreams
decoded
Does your sleep see you lusting after total strangers, colleagues
and – eek – your ex? A dreams expert explains why…
D id you get up to This is basically a nightmare – and a The “mystery love” storyline is probably
AN EX OR AN ENEMY
A TOTAL STRANGER
some seriously filthy
stuff last night while
you were asleep?
twist that’ll crush hopeless romantics,
star you and an ex in a Christian-and-
Nearly 10% of all
it doesn’t mean you’re dreaming about
Anastasia-style tryst aren’t a sign to
dreams contain sexual content,* but common one at that. But dreams that the least awkward of the lot. And in a
if you’re wondering why you did that reunite. “It’s about what they used to someone who’s out there waiting for
with them, don’t worry: sleep-sexing represent to you,” says Loewenberg. you, says Loewenberg: “This is more
someone doesn’t always mean you You might need to bring that energy about some aspect of yourself that
want to get down to it with them IRL. into your current relationship. Single? you’re trying to get to know.”
Dreams analyst Lauri Loewenberg Try dating in a new way. If it’s someone Imagining a wild night with someone
says most sex dreams are more about you dislike, “Your subconscious is unknown could represent a need to
what those individuals represent to urging you to reconnect with them,” be more authoritative and assertive…
you. Here, she explains what the says Loewenberg. “It’s not good like the kind of badass who’d have an
unlikely subject is trying to tell you… to carry around hate.” X-rated encounter with a stranger.
A COLLEAGUE YOUR TEACHER A GROUP OF PEOPLE
You see them every day, so of course If it’s the professor you’ve always While they might seem crazy fun,
they intrude at night. But there’s a drooled over in class, this might dream orgies are actually a red flag
distinction between sexing your boss simply be a hot-for-your-teacher that you have a lot of distress in your
in your dreams versus a junior, says situation – in which case, lesson over, life. Perhaps you’re experiencing an
Loewenberg. If you work for them, fantasy complete. But if it’s someone overwhelming psychological situation
the dream is likely about a power you found legit scary or revolting (and that’s manifesting as an overload
struggle. Solve it by finding something not just because of their beige chinos), of people and body parts, says
to collaborate on. If you did NSFW take note of the subject they taught Loewenberg. It’s time to look for ways
things with someone you manage, you. “If it was English, maybe there’s to Marie Kondo busy areas of your
think about what they represent to some need in your life for better life (or at least put a few things on
you. If it’s an assistant who keeps communication,” says Loewenberg. the back burner for a while). Cut back
your life in line, your brain may be “If it was maths, it could be a call to on happy hours for a bit, or maybe
telling you to get your shit together. get better at your finances.” take a trip away to clear your head.
