What Does It Mean When You Dream of Someone Who Has Passed Away

Some people frequently remember their dreams, while others claim they never dream or at least can’t recall them.

But do dreams have any significance? While many believe dreams convey messages from unseen forces that we can’t perceive while awake, some scientists argue that dreams are merely the result of neurological processes in our brains.

Even when we’re asleep, our brains are very active. Sometimes, dreams reflect our daily experiences, while at other times, they reveal our fears. But what does it mean when we dream about someone who has passed away?

These dreams might be part of the grieving process or reflect a transition happening in our lives. According to Healthline, it’s more often the latter.

Such dreams are common during periods of change, such as starting a new job, moving to a new place, or meeting new people.

More important than the dream itself is how it makes us feel.

Rubin Naiman, a psychologist with a Ph.D. who has extensively studied sleep, explains, “Dream interpretation involves decoding the dream. It offers psychological insights and expands our consciousness.”

So, dreaming about someone who has died may be related to the changes in our lives and how those changes impact us.

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“Many contemporary neuroscientists believe that during REM sleep, the brain is performing maintenance tasks and may unintentionally generate visual images, making dreams appear meaningless,” says Naiman. “On the other hand, some believe that dreaming is more profound than waking life. This view is prevalent in ‘dream cultures,’ such as among the indigenous people of Australia, who see dreaming as fundamental to our spiritual existence.”

Experts categorize these dreams into four types.

First, dreaming of a deceased person might be the brain’s way of processing grief and pain. If we had unresolved issues with the deceased, such as guilt, this could explain why they appear in our dreams. Dream analyst Lauri Loewenberg suggests that we might dream of a deceased person if we recognize their traits, like substance abuse, in ourselves. Some experts believe these dreams represent a visitation from the deceased, especially if they appear well-dressed or happy. A positive feeling from the dream may suggest the deceased person is saying “Hello.”

Regardless of our beliefs about dreams, they undeniably offer profound and meaningful insights. Dreams can provide a glimpse into our soul and our connection with those who have passed away.

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At 58, I Found Love Again, but His Ex-wife Was Hell-Bent on Ruining Our Happiness — Story of the Day

At 58, I thought love had passed me by until I met Oliver. Just as our happiness began to bloom, his ex-wife stormed back into his life, determined to tear us apart. What followed was a battle for peace and the strength to overcome the shadows of the past. Could love conquer all?

“Another quiet morning,” I whispered to myself, gazing out the window at the ocean. The waves rolled in gently, and the breeze carried that familiar, salty scent.

It had been years since my divorce, and I had gotten used to the solitude.

“I don’t need anyone,” I would often remind myself, my fingers tapping rhythmically on the keyboard.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

My novels had taken off once I fully committed to writing. The quiet house, with only the sound of seagulls and the ocean, gave me the peace I thought I needed.

But every so often, I’d find myself staring out at the horizon, thinking.

Is this really enough?

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

It wasn’t until Oliver showed up that I realized the answer might be no.

One morning, as I sipped my coffee on the porch, I noticed him for the first time. A tall, charming man, maybe a few years younger than me, strolling along the beach with his golden retriever. I watched as they passed by my house.

“Morning,” he called out, tipping his head with a friendly smile.

“Good morning,” I replied, feeling a little shy.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Each day after that, I found myself looking out for him. I would watch as he walked along the beach, sometimes playing with his dog, sometimes just staring out at the sea. And each time, my heart would skip a beat.

“Why am I so nervous?” I muttered to myself, shaking my head. “It’s just a neighbor. Calm down.”

But I couldn’t. And my feelings grew stronger every time I saw him. Still, I hesitated.

Is it possible to open up to someone again?

One afternoon, while I was trimming my roses, I heard a rustling sound and a loud thud behind me.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Startled, I turned to see a golden blur darting into my garden.

“Charlie! Get back here!” I heard Oliver call, and seconds later, he appeared, breathless and apologetic.

“I’m so sorry! He just got away from me.”

I laughed, bending down to pet the dog.

“It’s alright. He’s cute.”

“He’s a handful, but I wouldn’t trade him for anything.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Do you… enjoy reading?” I asked, my voice tentative, hoping to keep the conversation alive.

Oliver chuckled. “I’m a writer. It comes with the territory.”

“We are colleagues!” My eyes lit up. “I’m a novelist too.”

We talked about our favorite books, about writing, and soon enough, the conversation flowed easily.

“You know,” I said, taking a deep breath, “I don’t usually do this, but… would you like to have dinner sometime?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Oliver raised an eyebrow, surprised but pleased.

“I’d love to.”

Just like that, the plan was set.

***

The next evening was perfect. We laughed and shared stories. Maybe this is what I’ve been missing all along. But just as I started to relax, a woman appeared at our table. Her eyes were hard, and she looked straight at Oliver.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“We need to talk. Now,” she demanded, completely ignoring me.

“Excuse me, we’re in the middle of…” I started.

“Not now,” she snapped, her eyes never even glancing in my direction. It was as if I didn’t exist.

I felt my face flush, my words stuck in my throat. Oliver looked flustered, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“I’m sorry, Haley,” he muttered, standing up awkwardly. “I have to go.”

I watched, speechless, as he followed her out, leaving me sitting there, feeling invisible. The chatter of the restaurant buzzed around me, but I was numb, frozen in place.

The empty chair across from me seemed like a reflection of how abandoned I felt.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

Two days had passed since that awkward dinner, and Oliver still hadn’t called. The silence weighed on me more than I wanted to admit. I felt hurt, confused, and, honestly, a little humiliated.

My mind kept replaying the scene, the way he left without a proper explanation, the way that woman had dismissed me as if I didn’t matter.

I sat at my desk, trying to focus on my writing, but it was no use. My thoughts kept drifting back to that night.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Had I made a mistake inviting him? Was he just playing with me? Who was that woman? And why did he leave with her without even a real explanation?

I was about to give up and close my laptop when I heard a knock at the door. My heart raced as I stood up, part of me hoping, and part of me dreading what might come next.

When I opened the door, Oliver was standing on my doorstep with flowers in his hand.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I stared at him, unsure of what to say.

“I’m sorry, Haley,” he began.

“That woman from the other night… She’s my ex-wife, Rebecca. She shows up like that sometimes, trying to stir things up and ruin my relationships. I didn’t want to make a scene, so I had to leave with her.”

I tried to mask my emotions. “Why didn’t you tell me that then?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“I panicked. I should have explained. I’m sorry.”

He paused, offering the flowers.

“I want to make it up to you. I have a literary event coming up. Will you come? It’ll be quieter, and maybe we can spend some time together.”

I hesitated a bit but then nodded.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

I had dressed carefully, hoping for a peaceful evening, a chance to talk to Oliver without interruptions. Maybe, tonight will be different.

Oliver greeted me with a warm smile. “I’m glad you came.”

I smiled back, trying to push aside the unease I still felt.

The evening started well. Oliver’s presentation was engaging. For a while, I forgot about everything that had happened.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

But just as I began to feel at ease, the mood in the room shifted.

I saw the same woman from that night at the restaurant. Rebecca. She strode in with a determined look on her face, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on Oliver. My stomach dropped.

Without hesitation, she marched over to where Oliver and I stood.

“You thought you could just move on, didn’t you, Oliver?” she spat, glaring at him.

The room grew quiet, and all eyes were on us.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Rebecca, this isn’t the time or place.”

Oliver took a step toward her, trying to calm her down, but it only made things worse.

“Time or place? How dare you?” she snapped, her voice rising. “You’re a liar and a cheat! You think you can just forget about everything we had? You think you can walk away from me?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

People began to whisper, their curiosity piqued by the unfolding drama.

Rebecca’s eyes turned to me then.

“And you,” she said, her voice dripping with venom, “you’re just another one of his mistakes.”

Before I could even respond, she grabbed a glass of wine from a nearby table and threw it in my face. The cold liquid soaked my hair and dress.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Gasps filled the room. For a second, I just stood there, too humiliated to move. My cheeks burned with embarrassment, and all I wanted to do was disappear.

Security rushed in and quickly escorted Rebecca out, but the damage was already done.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I felt small and exposed. The warmth I had felt earlier was gone, replaced by a crushing sense of shame. I wiped my face and looked at Oliver, who stood there, silent and torn.

“What is going on, Oliver? Why is she doing this? And what aren’t you telling me?”

Oliver sighed, running a hand through his hair.

“I… I haven’t told you everything,” he admitted, his eyes full of regret.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Rebecca and I have been separated for a while, but during that time, I had an affair. It was a mistake, and I’ve regretted it ever since. Then Rebecca came back into my life and took control. She managed everything. My finances. My schedule. She used my guilt to keep me trapped.”

I felt a heavy weight settle over me and realized how deep that mess went.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“I’ve been trying to leave her for good, but she refuses to let go,” he continued. “I didn’t want to drag you into all of this.”

“I don’t think I can do this, Oliver,” I whispered. “I’m not ready for this kind of drama in my life.”

Without waiting for his response, I turned and walked out, the cool evening air hitting my face as I stepped outside.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

Several days had passed since the disastrous evening at the literary event, and I couldn’t stop thinking about Oliver. Despite everything that had happened, I missed him.

I tried to push the feelings away, to convince myself that walking out had been the right choice, but the ache of missing him wouldn’t fade.

One afternoon, as I sat by the window, a flicker of movement caught my eye. It was at Oliver’s house. I watched as Rebecca hurried back and forth, swiftly loading boxes into a car.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Is he moving out? Why is she here?

I couldn’t ignore it any longer. I had to tell him that he needed to be stronger, to stand up for himself, and to stop letting people like Rebecca control his life.

Summoning my courage, I stepped outside and made my way toward his house.

But as I approached, something felt different. Oliver’s car pulled up, and when he stepped out, there was a calm, resolute look on his face—one I hadn’t seen before. I hesitated, keeping my distance, watching as he walked straight to Rebecca.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“It’s over, Rebecca,” I heard him say. “Take the money, take the house—whatever you want. But you will not interfere in my life anymore.”

Rebecca froze, staring at him in disbelief. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am,” he said, his voice unwavering. “If you don’t respect that, I’ll file a restraining order. This ends today.”

I stood there, shocked. That was a side of Oliver I had never seen.

At that moment, I knew. He had finally taken control of his life, and that was exactly what I needed to see.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

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