Recently, ThePleasantDream analyzed the Google Search data of common dreams to compare the stats of 2021 and 2022. The team monitored the search data in The United States of America, The United Kingdom, and India and found that the term “dream about cheating” witnessed a considerable dip in 2022 compared to 2021.
The US search volume was 12100 in 2021 and went down to 5400 in 2022. In the United Kingdom, the search volume went down from 2400 in 2021 to 1300 in 2022. Lastly, in India, the search volume was 390 in 2021, dropping to 170 in 2022.
All countries witnessed a dip of more than 50%. Therefore, we decided to ask the experts the reason behind such behavior. So, here are some insights from the experts.
What is the reason behind the considerable drop (more than 50%) in the search term “dream about cheating” in 2022 compared to 2021?
- Jean-Baptiste Beau, founder of Oniri and conducting research on dreams with the Geneva University Neurocenter
It’s unclear why there is such a drop. This may be linked to 2022 being a year where people went out more after the pandemic and were thus confronted with more diverse experiences and less time with their partners. However, it’s most likely to be a random evolution, and this number may increase again in 2023.
- Tiffany McGee, spirituality and relationship expert & founder of Nomadrs
The decrease in the search for “dream about cheating” in 2022 compared to 2021 could be due to several reasons. From my perspective, the recent data clearly states that people may have become more self-aware.
Individuals are focusing on their own well-being, letting go of negative thoughts and emotions, and embracing a brighter future. Besides, the pandemic and the shift to remote work may have also reduced people’s stress and anxiety levels, resulting in more peaceful and positive dreams.
In conclusion, I believe that the decrease in searches for “dream about cheating” can be seen as a positive trend, indicating that people are focusing more on self-reflection and self-improvement and moving away from negative thoughts and emotions.
- Hana O’Neill, professional psychic and astrologer & founder of The Suburban Witch
If we look at the stars, we can find some clues. Mercury, the planet of thoughts, communication, ideas, and the mind, can trigger dreams about exes during its 3-4 annual retrograde periods.
In 2021 each of the Mercury retrogrades was in air signs which often has us overthinking about relationships, our social boundaries, and social connections with others.
But in 2022, while the Mercury Retrograde periods all began in air signs, they ended in the more practical earth signs triggering dreams about being late for work, ill health, or being back at school instead.
- Tom Greenspan, a sleep expert, co-founder, and Sleep Science Coach of VS Mattress
The considerable drop in Google Search data for “dreams about cheating” between 2021 and 2022 is likely due to changes in lifestyle and relationships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Besides, many couples were forced to stay at home for extended periods. This could have reduced stress and anxiety levels, resulting in fewer “dreams about cheating” being searched for online.
- James Oliver, sleep lead researcher and founder at HeyMattress.com.au
The considerable drop in searches for “dream about cheating” in 2022 compared to 2021 may be mainly due to the introduction of more comprehensive therapy options that focus on treating issues such as stress, anxiety, and unresolved conflict that could lead to cheating behavior.
With therapy being more readily available, those searching for information on dreaming about cheating may find they now have a better way to deal with the underlying issues than simply trying to interpret what their dreams might mean.
In general, what do “dreams about cheating” mean?
- Jean-Baptiste Beau, founder of Oniri and conducting research on dreams with the Geneva University Neurocenter
It’s important to remember that there is no universal meaning to dreams. Instead, each dream should be interpreted with the dreamer’s context, and only the dreamer can give the final interpretation.
Dreaming about your partner cheating on you may have different meanings based on your sentiments for your partner right now and any outstanding troubles in the union.
- Tiffany McGee, spirituality and relationship expert & founder of Nomadrs
Dreams about cheating can often hold deep-seated meanings and emotions unique to the dreamer. They can be rooted in feelings of insecurity, dissatisfaction, or a fear of being betrayed in a relationship or situation. Alternatively, these dreams can also reflect a desire for change or a longing for something different in one’s life.
- Hana O’Neill, professional psychic and astrologer & founder of The Suburban Witch
This is easy for those who practice the ancient art of oneiromancy or dream divination, but the answer is not a clear-cut response. Cheating dreams are unique to the dreamer and can present differently to each person.
Good questions to ask are; Is the dreamer cheating with an ex-lover or a stranger? One person or many people? Is the dream sexual or merely implied intimacy? Do they have fun in the affair? Or are they being secretive?
Each answer gives a clue to the dreamer’s subconscious mind. In short, most cheating dreams are a way for us to work through issues around feeling desired, guilty, or needing attention.
- Tom Greenspan, a sleep expert, co-founder, and Sleep Science Coach of VS Mattress
Dreams about cheating can have a few meanings. First, it could represent anxiety or guilt in the dreamer’s current life – for example, an unresolved issue with their partner or spouse. It could also represent a feeling of being “cheated” out of something else – such as time, money, or success.
Finally, dreams about cheating could also indicate a lack of trust in the dreamer’s current relationship or a feeling disconnected from their partner.
- James Oliver, sleep lead researcher and founder at HeyMattress.com.au
Dreams about cheating typically symbolize feelings of guilt, self-doubt, or insecurity. They may also represent a desire to explore different aspects of life or escape current pressures and responsibilities.
Dreams may be interpreted differently based on the dreamer’s context and personal associations with the dream elements.
Are these dreams connected to the dreamer’s current relationship/marriage?
- Jean-Baptiste Beau, founder of Oniri and conducting research on dreams with the Geneva University Neurocenter
It may come from your expectations: you believe your partner is cheating on you in your waking life. Because your brain believes that, it creates a world in which that is the truth. It may come from your fear: you are afraid that your partner would cheat on you.
Fears are often represented in dreams, so this is the most likely reason. A theory about the purpose of dreams is that they exist to train our brains to react to hard situations (Revonsuo’s Threat Simulation Theory).
It may come from your memory: perhaps this happened to you in the past with a previous partner. During sleep, the brain is trying to treat emotional memories; those dreams could be a consequence of your brain trying to process this previous experience.
- Tiffany McGee, spirituality and relationship expert & founder of Nomadrs
While dreams about cheating may or may not be directly connected to the dreamer’s current relationship or marriage, they can provide valuable insights into the state of the relationship and the dreamer’s feelings about it.
Dreams about cheating can reveal hidden insecurities, unfulfilled desires, or feelings of betrayal within the relationship. However, they can also symbolize a desire for change or a need for excitement and novelty in one’s life.
In short, dreams about cheating can be a powerful lens through which to view one’s relationships and emotions, providing a unique window into the deepest parts of the dreamer’s mind.
- Hana O’Neill, professional psychic and astrologer & founder of The Suburban Witch
In short, they can, but not in the way most people think. They rarely mean the dreamer wants to cheat or fantasize about others, but it can present issues their subconscious wants them to explore.
Dream of cheating on your partner with a group of people? You likely wish to socialize more than your partner does or may be feeling that your sexual needs aren’t being met.
- James Oliver, sleep lead researcher and founder at HeyMattress.com.au
These dreams could be connected to the dreamer’s current relationship/marriage, depending on the context and content of the dream. Besides, it could symbolize unresolved issues or anxieties concerning their relationship or marriage.
Alternatively, it may reflect some insecurity in themselves or a fear of being betrayed by their partner. In any case, exploring what these dreams mean and how they relate to the dreamer’s current life situation can be beneficial.
What steps to take when you come across this dream?
- Jean-Baptiste Beau, founder of Oniri and conducting research on dreams with the Geneva University Neurocenter
First, remember that your dreams are only a reflection of your concerns, your experiences, and your thoughts. Do not take this dream as a prophetic message that this situation is happening.
Dreams are natural, so ask yourself, “why is my brain telling me that?”. Take this as an opportunity to move forward: analyzing your dreams will help you identify your concerns and emotions regarding your relationship and your partner.
If the dream is recurring, don’t let it weigh you down! It will probably stop once you address the source of the problem.
Besides, a dream journal will help you remember and understand your dreams, which is the key to moving forward. Once you have analyzed your dream and learned more about yourself, there are a few steps that can help:
– Talk about it with your partner: as often, communication is key. Identify what could create this fear deep down of your partner cheating on you.
– Talk about it with a specialist: if you don’t find the answers alone, with your partner, or even if you do, talking with a specialist often helps. This is especially true if this dream reflects an emotional memory that your brain has trouble processing. In addition, psychologists can help with past events that keep weighing you down years later.
- Tiffany McGee, spirituality and relationship expert & founder of Nomadrs
When you experience a dream about cheating, the most important step you can take is to reflect on your own thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
First, ask yourself what this dream might symbolize and what feelings or experiences it brings up for you. Then, try to identify any themes or patterns in the dream and see how they relate to your waking life.
Also, journaling about the dream and your thoughts and feelings about it would be helpful. This can provide clarity and allow you to process your emotions safely and healthily.
Remember, the key to understanding and processing the message behind your dream is to approach it with an open mind and a non-judgmental attitude. So, trust your instincts and listen to what your subconscious is trying to tell you.
- Hana O’Neill, professional psychic and astrologer & founder of The Suburban Witch
Pay attention to how this dream makes you feel in your waking life—feeling guilty about the dream? That’s usually a sign of a healthy relationship boundary in your real world. Explore the themes around cheating to see what it may be trying to portray.
- Tom Greenspan, a sleep expert, co-founder, and Sleep Science Coach of VS Mattress
If you want to take steps after having a dream about cheating, it is essential to reflect on the dream’s meaning first. Then, you can consider the context of your dream and any feelings and emotions you experienced in the dream.
Once you have done that, talk about your dream with a trusted friend or family member for further insight. Professional help from a therapist or counselor is also beneficial.
- James Oliver, sleep lead researcher and founder at HeyMattress.com.au
Acknowledge your feelings. It’s important to recognize and accept whatever emotions come up for you when you have this kind of dream. For example, you may feel betrayed, hurt, or scared – all understandable reactions.
Talk openly with your partner about your dreams. Communication is key in any healthy relationship, and discussing your dream can be an important part of maintaining trust.
Consider what the dream could mean outside of a literal interpretation. Dreams aren’t always straightforward, so take some time to consider the underlying meaning behind yours. For example, it might be related to something else in your life or speak to some unresolved feelings you’re dealing with.
Reflect on how your relationship is going. Ask yourself if any issues need to be addressed in your relationship or if anything needs to be addressed for too long. Having a conversation about it can help to ease the tension and create a stronger connection between you and your partner.
Take steps to heal any unresolved issues. If needed, seek professional support to help with processing your emotions or develop a plan to work through any turmoil in the relationship.
Closing Thoughts
Now we know the real reason behind the “dream of cheating” and what could be the reason behind its dip. However, if you are also troubled by this dream, it’s best to communicate with your loved ones. And if nothing seems to work, you must seek professional help and find ways to end this troublesome situation.
