Tosha,
In your dream about meeting a guy in a convenience store during Christmas and receiving an engagement ring, the ambivalence you felt upon opening your gift suggests a fear of commitment or an unease about moving to a stage in life that you may not feel prepared for. The competition in gift-giving might symbolize your perception of societal expectations or personal relationships where there’s a pressure to match or exceed the contributions of others. Your reaction to the engagement ring, despite acting pleased, indicates internal conflict regarding this transition.
The sudden appearance of a long-lost friend, upset by your engagement, could represent your subconscious grappling with the idea that significant changes in your life might affect your existing relationships and the way you connect with others. It may reflect a concern that new commitments could lead to the neglect or loss of important friendships or aspects of your current lifestyle.
Linking this to your previous dreams, there’s a theme of discomfort with change and new beginnings. The dilapidated house with the unwanted feral cat from a previous dream mirrors the unwanted engagement gift. Both scenarios place you in situations where you feel out of control and forced to accept what seems to be given to you by others—whether it's a home or a relationship status. This could point to underlying anxiety about external forces dictating your life’s direction.
Your earlier dream about being lost on the way home from a new school after an unpleasant experience could also be telling. It might suggest feelings of disorientation or a search for belonging in unfamiliar environments. The protective instinct you had towards the other kids in that dream, warning them about the food, hints at an underlying care for others, which could also play into your current dream's concern about maintaining friendships.
In essence, your dreams reflect an apprehension towards change, a desire for control over your own life decisions, and a concern for how these changes impact your relationships. Reflecting on these patterns may provide insight into how you navigate transitions and maintain a balance between personal growth and the value you place on longstanding connections.