Dear Lauri,

I dreamt last night that I was in the driver’s seat of my car with two small children in my back seat, ages 4 to 7, and a person put a choke hold around my neck and held a gun to my heart.  It woke me up.  – Barbara, Vancouver WA

Lauri: The choke hold suggests there is something you need to speak up about but you are choking back your words for some reason... perhaps because it would be a painful thing to voice.  Or perhaps you are feeling forced to choke back your words by somebody else. I think that is why your heart is also brought to attention, it represents your emotions. Is there something you are afraid to talk about because it would cause heartache? Or maybe there is a heartbreaking issue you can't bring yourself to talk about. This is all in your car because I think your dream is trying to show you that this is a difficult way to travel through life.

Barbara replies:  My partner and I argue a lot and I can't get a word in edge wise, he raise his voice and talks over me when I try to explain my reasoning. Then somehow I am in the wrong for whatever situation it has to do with.

Lauri replies: This may be where the children come in. They represent the childish behavior between the two of you, a behavior you need to put behind you, which is why they were in the backseat. And I believe your dream has you behind the wheel because it is letting you know that you have more control over this than you realize. You can steer this in a better direction. Perhaps changing your approach or perhaps moving on. Ultimately, you are in control. Maybe you could tell him about this dream. It may help him to see the reality of his behavior... maybe.