Today I woke up from an afternoon nap after dreaming that I was hanging onto a ledge outside of a window. There were people inside trying to pull me in, but they weren’t able to before I woke up. Also, I wasn’t myself. I think I was a character on the soap opera that I watch who is a very strong and successful woman who has recently been on trial for murder which displayed her vulnerable side. And I wasn’t terrified of falling either. I never looked down, but I was sure someone was going to pull me back in somehow, but they never did. I’ve been having a lot of marital problems and additional relationship problems, too numerous to mention. To put it mildly, I have had quite more than my share of stress lately and my life used to be as normal and calm as possible. I just wanted to know if this dream meant something more than the obvious symbolism of hanging onto something.

Christina, Age 26, Simi Valley, CA, USA

Hi Christina -

Your dream appears to be a metaphor for your current marital woes. I think it is clear that you are identifying with the woman who is the character on the soap opera. Just as she is on trial for murder, you most likely feel that your marriage is going through a period of “trial,” or could actually go to trial if you decide to divorce.

Your dream suggests that you are a strong-willed person who is confident about your future. You’re hanging on to the ledge of a building (your relationship), with the potential of a free-fall below you (divorce), but you’re not really worried about the fall (the future). It’s a tough spot. One message of the dream I would consider is that no one else is able to pull you inside the window - rescue you - from your current plight. When we’re in difficult situations it is natural to hope to be rescued. But I think your dream is showing you that you are going to have to “save” yourself. Getting out of that hanging situation is going to require some action and conscious decision-making on your part. If you haven’t seen a marriage counselor yet - I suggest you both give it a try. Perhaps that will be the arm that pulls you through the window and rescues you from your current plight of “hanging on.”