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Ever Dreamt About Cheating? Here’s What It Could Really Mean
Have you ever dreamt that your partner was cheating on you? Or that you were cheating on your partner? Let’s face it: Dealing with any sort of scandal (even in your slumber), can leave you feeling confused or anxious af. Maybe you’ve already suspected your partner of cheating and your subconscious is trying to send you a sign. Perhaps your dreams are a result of unhealed trauma from a previous relationship? Or maybe you just ate too many tacos before bed last night?
Before you shake your S.O. awake to begin interrogating them, it’s important to know that dreams of infidelity aren’t exactly uncommon. In fact, according to this study of 1,000 people, 31% of the women have dreamt of their partner cheating and 23% have dreamt of them cheating on their partners. (So, if this has happened to you, you are not alone!)
According to the Sleep Foundation, some psychologists argue that dreams provide insight into a person’s psyche or everyday life, while other psychologists find their content to be too “inconsistent or bewildering to reliably deliver any true significance.”
Now, don’t get me wrong, I do believe that dreams *may* convey real information and that they often reflect our everyday thoughts and feelings — as well as our deepest desires and concerns. However, that doesn’t mean that each dream is to be taken literally. Cheating dreams could equate to you simply feeling a sense of neglect or abandonment in your relationship.
“When we dream, we are tapping into our subconscious mind,” explains astrologer, Ashanti Ransom, also known as The Heaux Healer on IG. “We are dreaming about any and everything that you’ve ever thought of, seen, or imagined. The subconscious is such a deep place that almost anything can pop up in the mind’s eye.”
So, why do people dream about cheating?
“Because we are human, we all will experience nightmares from time to time,” says Jacqueline ‘Dr. Jac’ Sherman, licensed clinical psychologist and intimacy and relationship coach. “Bad dreams about cheating can feel equivalent to a bad nightmare because the dream can cause emotional distress, and sometimes even cause sleep disturbances. Additionally, there is research that suggests that people who have experienced infidelity in their relationships are more likely to have bad dreams involving their partner betraying their trust by being unfaithful.”
What are some of the potential meanings behind cheating dreams?
“Sometimes when you are grieving a traumatic situation like finding out your partner has been cheating, it can trigger abandonment wounds in your subconscious mind which may lead to nightmares,” notes Dr. Jac. “Also, when a current relationship is going well and someone has been cheated on by an ex, they may be holding on to emotions such as fear, insecurity or worry that can create anxiety and bad dreams.”
“When a person is deeply in tune with [their] mind, body, and soul, a dream of a partner cheating could very well be a message from your spiritual team that it's time to pay attention to what's happening in the relationship in waking life,” says Ashanti. “It’s almost like a warning. You also want to pay attention to what's happening in the dream. What is your partner doing? How are they acting? This may give you a clear indication of what could be happening. It may also be a play-up on your fears from a previous relationship that you haven't taken the time to heal properly.”
Could cheating dreams be a result of a person’s intuition or could they be unchecked damage from a past relationship?
PeopleImages/ Getty Images
“Honestly, it can be a little bit of both. Sometimes past relationship trauma or infidelity can trigger emotions of jealousy, paranoia, and fear that can result in bad dreams,” says Dr. Jac. “Additionally, our intuition can help us realize that something does not feel right. If someone is having an intuitive feeling that their partner is cheating, this might lead to more thought rumination about betrayal. As a result, their anxiety may increase resulting in bad dreams, and nightmares are a symptom of anxiety.”
“Whenever a woman feels any type of uneasiness about a situation, I recommend that she follow her gut feelings,” explains Ashanti. “However, the dating pool right now is leaving lots of suitors scarred mentally and emotionally so, it very well can be from past trauma. In my opinion, I feel like the dating generation right now is operating from a place of getting hurt or being hurt. Nobody wants to be the hurt person so everyone is trying to beat each other to it.”
What do we need to do with these dreams about being cheated on once we have them?
“Most importantly, pay attention! Pay attention to how the dream made you feel when you were in it,” Ashanti explains. “How did you react once you heard or saw the news unfold? There isn’t much you can do because it may or may not have happened yet. I would also recommend talking to your partner. Look for that reassurance in your partner so you can feel some type of ease.”
“If the dreams do not bother you, I would say do nothing, overall, they are just dreams!” says Dr. Jac. “If the dreams are bothering you emotionally and/or are recurrent, I would suggest journaling about the emotions the dream elites from you. Journaling helps to provide self-awareness and insight, so starting here can help you recognize any distress you may be feeling as a result of the dreams.”
Here are four journaling prompts Dr. Jac recommends for a self-reflection process:
- What do you imagine this dream might mean for your relationship?
- What do you imagine this dream might mean about your partner?
- Is there anything from your past that this dream has triggered?
- What emotion(s) do you feel after experiencing this dream?
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Featured image by LaylaBird/ Getty Images
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This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
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Featured image by Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images