Answer:
It's not uncommon to have dreams about past relationships or experiences, especially if there were strong emotions attached to them. Dreams often symbolize unresolved feelings or inner conflicts that your mind is trying to process. In your case, dreaming about your old friend from junior high and rekindling a friendship could be a manifestation of your subconscious desire to reconcile and find closure with the past.
The fact that you ended things on a bad note and that there is awkwardness between you in real life may contribute to these dreams. It's possible that deep down, you still have unresolved feelings or a lingering curiosity about how things could have been different. Dreams often provide a safe platform for exploring these unfulfilled wishes and navigating complex emotions.
The feeling of "dream-confusion" you experience, where you momentarily believe that you are friends again in real life, could be a result of your mind's attempt to reconcile the past and the present. It's important to remember that dreams are just representations of your thoughts and feelings, and they don't necessarily reflect reality.
These dreams may indicate the need for inner healing and closure. Consider reflecting on your past friendship and the reasons for the clash as you got older. If you think it would be appropriate and beneficial, you could try reaching out to your old friend to address any unresolved issues or to simply have a conversation about your shared history. It's important to approach such interactions with empathy, understanding, and the intention to find closure rather than rekindling a friendship if that's not what either of you desires.
If these dreams continue to cause distress or significantly impact your daily life, it may be helpful to discuss them with a therapist or counselor. They can provide guidance and help you gain further insight into your dreams and emotions, facilitating your personal growth and healing process.