\”My ex and I have been broken up for nearly a month, however i keep having reoccurring dreams about him. In all of them he is trying to murder me. I've lost track of the amount I've had, however they all involve him, a knife, and me getting out of bed in complete terror. The first one actually occurred shortly before we split up after he'd informed me that he no more knew if he was in love in me. Throughout them he has made a reason for laughing each time he stabs me. It's reaching the stage where I'm trying to avoid sleeping simply because I'd rather not awaken screaming. Do you know me what's causing these and if I can expect these to stop soon? – Sleep Deprived

I am so sorry that you are having one of these experience. Let's assume that your boyfriend or girlfriend isn't a murderer in real life (I certainly hope not!), both of us realize that you have nothing to fear except coping with this breakup. And I suspect that facing it is not an easy thing for you personally. Often our dreams, which occur in our unconscious mind, behave as a counter-balance to the conscious mind. The truth that your boyfriend or girlfriend is invading your dreams seems to indicate that you are not really coping with or acknowledging the pain of the breakup inside your waking life.

I obtain the impression that this breakup was both painful and shocking for you. It is extremely devastating to hear that someone you love may not feel the same way in regards to you. And here's in which the indication of murder comes in – you're afraid it's going to \”kill\” your heart. Murder is the only image violent enough to demonstrate how heartbroken you feel. Since your ex is definitely laughing in the dream, I think you are either concerned that it is not affecting him in the same way, that he is not taking it as hard as you are, or that he is benefiting from kind of sick pleasure from hurting you. Hence the laughter. I'd let that thought go. I'm certain he is as upset when you are and when he isn't, then eff him. Individuals have different ways of expressing emotion and with painful situations and your ex's might be completely different than yours.

The knife is the ultimate phallic, male symbol – so I am not surprised it's showing up inside your dreams around a male that was significant in your lifetime. Additionally, it lets me realize that sexuality either forwards and backwards of you or what you discovered within yourself was an important part of this relationship. The knife may also represent \”the sword of truth\” cutting through your illusions and false beliefs either about your ex or about love generally. I'd guess that this relationship was very significant in your life which breakup may change your perspective on love later on. While cutting with these false ideas may be painful, it will likely be crucial for the growth and future happiness.

But the good thing is that he never actually kills you inside your dreams. You're strong enough to handle this while you might not believe it. The choice can be you. Are you going to let him keep haunting you every night or are you going to face the fact that this relationship is over and keep your lifetime? Are you going to let the pain cripple you with fear or will you grow in the experience?

A suggestion Sleep Deprived: Be strong. When you choose to cope with the pain sensation, mourn the loss of the relationship, and move ahead, I doubt you'll be seeing your ex during the night anymore and you'll be able to make room in your life for that REAL man of your dreams.