Mel,
The dream you had, where you and your husband were confronted by strangers at a gas station, reflects underlying feelings of frustration and perhaps a sense of intrusion into your personal space or privacy. The strangers' demands for personal information could symbolize an external stressor in your life, perhaps related to societal pressures or a situation where you feel your boundaries are being tested. Your reaction in the dream, where you remain in the car while your husband handles the situation, could point to feelings of protection or perhaps a desire to avoid direct confrontation.
The presence of a knife and your husband's play fighting can indicate a perceived threat or conflict in your waking life. It doesn't necessarily mean physical danger, but rather it could be a metaphor for a sharp disagreement or a situation that you find uncomfortable. Your feelings of anger when he doesn't take your communication seriously in the dream could mirror waking life frustrations where you feel your voice is not being heard or valued in certain situations.
Leaving the car and choosing to ignore your husband's questions while seeking sustenance at fast food restaurants might suggest a need for self-care and a desire for autonomy. It's as though you're asserting your independence and making a statement about your needs. The act of throwing one shoe out the window could represent your feelings of indignation and the desire to shed aspects of your life that are no longer serving you well.
The homeless strangers' refusal of your shoes and the continued feeling of being ignored may also reflect a fear of being unseen or undervalued by others. It's a powerful image of your efforts being dismissed, which might connect to a deep-seated fear of rejection or a sense of helplessness in certain social interactions or relationships.
Overall, your dream seems to be a vivid portrayal of seeking acknowledgement and a voice in situations where you feel overlooked. The emotional intensity and negative feelings, coupled with the fact that this dream was a nightmare, signify that these issues are significant to you at this moment in your life. Reflecting on these themes may provide insight into aspects of your waking life where you are seeking more control, understanding, and effective communication, especially in your close relationships.