Aubrey, your dream is incredibly rich with symbolism and layers of meaning, reflecting various aspects of your life and inner psyche. Let's delve into the first part where you went to IKEA to buy work clothes. The fact that the shirts were $50 despite IKEA being known for affordability might symbolize a feeling of financial stress or the pressure you face regarding money, as noted in your life changes. The stylish ladies discussing 'L Word' and your interaction with them could signify your desire for connection and community, especially within the LGBTQ+ context. Your laughter and their mixed reactions may mirror your own experiences with social interactions—sometimes feeling understood and at other times feeling out of place.
The struggle with the shopping cart, especially the clean one being weird and the dirty ones being unusable, might symbolize the challenges you face in your daily tasks and routines. This could be linked to your ADHD, making certain simple tasks feel disproportionately difficult or awkward.
In the second part of your dream, working at Wendy’s with your old friend Ashley, it seems like a nostalgic return to simpler times, perhaps reflecting a longing for past friendships and carefree moments. Your willingness to help out despite the busy environment may indicate your adaptable nature and ability to find joy even in chaotic situations.
The third segment involving Erica and her friend, and then later her parents, delves into complex layers of your sexuality and desires. Your wish for a threesome and the subsequent series of events might be exploring your boundaries and the fluidity of your sexual orientation. The shower scene and the lack of privacy could represent your struggles with vulnerability and the fear of being exposed or judged.
Finally, your interaction with Erica's father and the subsequent involvement of his wife could symbolize an exploration of unconventional relationships and the breaking of societal norms. The fact that these encounters were interrupted and never fully realized might reflect internal conflicts or barriers you face in fully embracing certain aspects of your identity.
Overall, your dream weaves together themes of financial stress, social interactions, nostalgia, and complex sexual dynamics. Each element provides a window into your subconscious mind, revealing both your desires and anxieties. It's a rich tapestry that speaks to your multifaceted personality and the various experiences shaping your current state of mind.