Marla Swoffer
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My Recurring e-Harmony Dream

3/4/2013

3 Comments

 
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I was tempted to title this "My Recurring e-Harmony Nightmare" because that's what it feels like. At first it was humorous. Then amusing. Eventually annoying. And now agonizing. Just when I think it's gone for good, that I've worked through whatever issue it stems from, it returns. Again. And again.

It goes like this:  I am 40 (before I was 40, it was my late thirties), I am single, I am depressed, I am feeling my biological clock tick. I feel scared and lonely and desperate. Just when I am going through this panic/dread, I have an epiphany:  e-Harmony!  But of course!  Why didn't I think of that sooner?!  I need to get online right now and meet the man of my dreams. 

Sometimes it ends right there. Other times just as I'm planning to try it, I realize that I am married and have children...and I am very happy to suddenly remember that. The other night - it had been a while since my last e-Harmony dream - I actually didn't even get as far as e-Harmony, and there was a bit of twist, because this time it was all about wanting children, and being afraid I wouldn't be able to.  It was a horrible feeling, so I was whimpering in my sleep, and my husband woke me up and comforted me. That was a better ending than usual, but I still can't figure out why I have this dream over and over, albeit sporadically. It's been happening for the last three or four years or maybe even longer. I would say I've dreamt it at least ten times, about once a quarter, sometimes in clusters, sometimes with long stretches in between.

My theories thus far:

1.  During my decade long quest for my soulmate, searching for "the one" became part of my identity and purpose in life, so those roots are resurfacing (read more here).

2.  When e-Harmony came out, shortly after I met my husband, I thought it was really cool, since it used Myers-Briggs personality typing to match people.  Part of me was disappointed that I didn't get to try it - not because I didn't think my husband was the right guy for me, but because of my insatiable curiosity.  

3.  It's somehow representative of all my deepest fears - of unfulfilled longings, unmet expectations, abandonment, inadequacy, etc.

4.  It's a sign for me to pray for my single friends and to encourage them to sign up for e-Harmony. I've actually done this. Both praying and nudging.

...Well, when I told my husband what my bad dream was, he had the best explanation yet:

It's so that I'll wake up thankful to God for my family. 
3 Comments
Mom link
3/5/2013 05:27:30 am

I agree! You may be dreaming about what could have been..so you can appreciate all that is.. God has His ways of encouraging us to be grateful. I am thankful that you never had to experience these things..He has been good to you!

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wayside wanderer link
3/5/2013 08:19:30 am

You know, I just finished reading Quiet by Susan Cain in the book she talks about people who are Highly Sensitive and one of the things about HS people is that they have vivid dreams. So now this is what I blame a lot of my crazy dreaming on. I'm just highly sensitive. Ha.

One recurring dream I have is that I have a baby but I forget to feed or care for it. The other night when I had this dream I couldn't even remember its birthday. (And obviously no idea of its gender since I am calling it an it.) I think being a mommy to lots of little people (back in the day) totally overwhelmed me so maybe our dreams are a way of releasing what would otherwise be a form of ptsd. :)

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Literary Mom link
3/6/2013 02:53:52 am

Interesting - I should get that book. I have had baby dreams also - once (or maybe more) I dreamt I gave birth to a cat! Yes, we moms definitely need an outlet for all that goes into our days :)

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