What Does It Mean When You Dream of an Old Friend?

PDF download Download Article
Uncover the significance of a past connection in your dreams
PDF download Download Article

Were you visited in a dream by a friend from a long time ago and now you're wondering why? Your dreams actively tell you things that your conscious mind doesn’t pick up on while you’re awake, so that old acquaintance didn’t appear by accident. While dream interpretations aren't based on exact science, there are still a lot of potential meanings that your subconscious could be trying to convey. Keep reading to learn what an old friend could be trying to tell you in your dreams and how it relates to your everyday life.

This article is based on an interview with our international intuitive counselor and happiness coach, Kari Samuels. Check out the full interview here.

Things You Should Know

  • Dreaming of an old friend usually means you miss them or are worried about them. Reaching out to them can help rebuild your connection.
  • Seeing a childhood friend could mean you miss when your life was less stressful. Try to re-embrace hobbies you loved growing up to relax.
  • In a stressful dream, an old friend may signal unresolved issues or a struggle in your current life. Try to let go and learn from your past to keep moving forward.
1

You want to rekindle your friendship.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It’s natural to drift away from friends throughout your life, but seeing them in your dreams is a sign you want to reconnect . Whether it’s a childhood friend or someone who you met later in life, your dream may be trying to tell you that you miss chatting or spending time with them. Especially if the person was a regular part of your life, your subconscious may be reminding you of your friendship before time or distance separated you.
    • Don’t be afraid to reach out to an old friend over social media or by text. Try a quick message like, “Hey, I’ve been thinking about you recently. How are you doing?”
    • Remember that life events may affect the dynamic of your friendship. Even if you do rekindle your relationship, it may not be exactly the same as it used to be, so just be willing to embrace the changes.
    2. Advertisement
2

You’re worried about them.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If an old friend is sick or hurt in your dream, or if you wake up feeling anxious then it may be your subconscious sensing something wrong. Even if you haven’t communicated with the person in awhile, it means you’re still thinking of them and care about their well-being. [1]
    • Even if you haven’t spoken to the person in a while, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask if they’re doing alright. Let them know that you’re there if they need any additional support.
3

You want their positive qualities.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you miss certain characteristics of your friend, then it may be a sign that you want to see the same qualities in yourself. Friends from when you were growing up help shape your values, so their influence may reappear in your dreams. [2] When you’re having a dream of your friend giving you a hug or doing something for you, it could mean your spirit guide is telling you to act more loving and nurturing in your waking life.
    • Show that you care by checking in with your current friends often and being there to support them.
    2. Advertisement
4

You want to relive the good old days.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If a childhood friend appears in a good dream, it may be a sign that you’re missing who you were when they were a part of your life. You may wish that you could go back to stress-free times where you could spend time together and do the activities that made you feel really good when you were younger. [3]
    • Try to revisit some of the old hobbies or activities that you used to do when you were younger to help you rediscover that sense of fun and excitement you’re missing.
5

You’re missing freedom you used to have.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you dream about friends from your childhood, you may reminisce back to more innocent times when you were growing up. In your present life, you may be wishing you had more opportunities to learn and explore without any adult responsibilities, and your dream is urging you to find ways to re-embrace that feeling. [4]
    • Give yourself a break and make time for activities that make you feel refreshed.
    2. Advertisement
6

You have a new opportunity coming your way.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When a familiar face appears in your dream, it could signify that something new is just around the corner for you. It could be meeting a new person, getting a business opportunity, or entering the next stage in your life. While it may put you out of your comfort zone at first, embracing these changes will be really rewarding in your life. [5]
    • Don’t be afraid to put yourself in new positions and step out of your comfort zone to try new things.
    • Dreaming about a party with old friends may be a sign that a reason to celebrate is coming your way. Keep yourself really open to new possibilities so you don’t miss out.
7

You’re embracing your past self.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Good friends from your past have seen you through your best and worst times, so they truly understand who you are. When you’re chatting with them or they’re supporting you through a tough issue in your dream, it can serve as a reminder that it’s time to embrace all your strengths and weaknesses so you’re able to love who you’ve become in the present. [6]
    • If your mind still lingers on something from your past, reframe your negative thoughts. Try to think positively about yourself and make changes that shift your life in the direction you want.
    2. Advertisement
8

You have unresolved issues with them.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you were fighting with an old friend or they were apologizing to you in your dream, there’s a good chance you have unfinished business. You may feel guilty for how you handled something in your past or you may want to tell them something that you never had the chance to say. When they appear in your dreams, it’s an opportunity to finally seek closure and reconcile your relationship with them. [7]
    • If an old friend isn’t good to you, you don’t have to bring them back into your life. Let go of the past so you’re able to move forward positively.
    • If you dream of an old friend passing away, it may mean you have some guilt lingering about how you ended things and are worried about losing them.
9

You’re stressed in your everyday life.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re feeling drained or exhausted from your current life, an old friend in your dream may signal that you need to find some calm in your life. It may be a sign that you’ve lost sight of your inner child or the activities that you did to relax and feel comfortable in the past.
    2. Advertisement
10

You’re afraid of feeling lonely.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re remembering the happy times you had with an old friend in your dream, it could be a sign you’re missing that in your waking life. You may already have some feelings of loneliness like you don’t have anyone to reach out to. If the old friend left you without a lot of closure, then you may be more afraid that you’ll feel isolated from other important people in your life. [8]
    • Be sure to nurture your current friendships by reaching out to them, asking deeper questions about them, and showing genuine interest in them. [9]
    • A dream about chatting with an old friend could mean you need to vent and that you should find someone to talk to in real life.
    • If your old friends are ignoring you in your dream, it may mean that you don’t have close relationships in your current life either.
11

You’re reverting back to old habits.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re dreaming about you and a past friend spending time together and doing things you did when you were younger, it could mean you’re following a similar pattern in the present. When the dream makes you relive bad habits, it could be a subconscious warning not to make those mistakes again. If you’re reminiscing on good behaviors, then it’s time to embrace them in your current life.
    • When you’re trying to break a bad habit , try to replace it with a healthy, stimulating activity and avoid putting yourself in situations where you feel tempted. [10]
    2. Advertisement
12

You need to let go of a person that hurt you.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you had a friend who cut ties with you, your subconscious may hold onto that feeling and make them reappear in your dreams later on. Even if you don’t reach out in person, it could be a sign that it’s time to forgive them and move on if your friend wronged you in some way. [11]
    • If your friend did something that upset you, then practice forgiving and moving on. Try not to harbor those negative feelings, and transform them into loving emotions toward other people in the present.
13

You’re struggling with current relationships.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you wake up from a dream about a tense argument and unresolved feelings, the friend in your dream may be standing in for other people you have tension with in your life. They could be helping you recognize past behaviors that are still affecting your relationships today so you’re able to keep growing as a person and feel more comfortable speaking your mind with friends, family members, or partners you have now. [12]
    • In your waking life, be sure to open up about difficult topics and communicate about anything that’s bothering you so you can continue to grow and nurture your current relationships.
    2. Advertisement
14

They’re dreaming of you too.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Dream-About-an-Old-Friend-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Even if you haven’t seen each other for a while in real life, your souls may still communicate through a spiritual bond you share. It may be a sign they’re missing you as well or that you have a deeper connection with them, so interpreting other symbols in your dreams is important to figure out what your subconscious is trying to say. [13]
    • Pay attention to any residual feelings you have after waking up from your dream. If you have an urge to reach out or contact the person, then your spirit guide is trying to push you toward them.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      What Does It Mean If a Deceased Loved One Shows up in a Dream?
      What Does It Mean to Dream About Poop?
      What Does It Mean to Dream About Kissing Someone? 15 Interpretations
      What Do White Feathers Symbolize?
      The Symbolism and Spiritual Meanings Behind Dreams About Tigers
      What Does it Mean When You Dream About a Wedding? 14 Possibilities
      What Does it Mean to Dream of Being Robbed?
      What Does it Mean When You Throw Up in Your Dreams?
      What Does It Mean If You Dream about Your Crush? 13 Dream Scenarios
      What Does Dreaming of a House on Fire Mean? 17 Possibilities
      What Does It Mean to Dream About Crying? 15+ Possible Interpretations
      What Does It Mean to Dream About Wasps? 20+ Interpretations
      What Do Dreams About Yellow Snakes Mean?
      What Does It Mean When You Dream about an Alligator? 11 Expert Interpretations
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://ideapod.com/dreaming-someone-you-havent-seen-in-years/
      2. ↑ https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/09/power-peers
      3. ↑ https://hackspirit.com/what-does-it-mean-when-you-dream-of-someone-you-dont-talk-to-anymore/
      4. ↑ https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/spiritual-meaning-of-seeing-an-old-friend-in-a-dream/
      5. ↑ https://alicaforneret.com/dreaming-of-people-from-your-past/
      6. ↑ https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/spiritual-meaning-of-seeing-an-old-friend-in-a-dream/
      7. ↑ https://idreamedthis.com/dream-about-an-old-friend-apologizing/
      8. ↑ https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/spiritual-meaning-of-seeing-an-old-friend-in-a-dream/
      9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/how-do-life/202101/how-find-and-nurture-platonic-friendships
      1. ↑ https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2012/01/breaking-bad-habits
      2. ↑ https://dreamfullysweet.com/dream-interpretation/dreaming-of-someone-who-did-you-wrong-hidden-meaning/
      3. ↑ https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/spiritual-meaning-of-seeing-an-old-friend-in-a-dream/
      4. ↑ https://hackspirit.com/what-does-it-mean-when-you-dream-of-someone-you-dont-talk-to-anymore/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 37,319 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement