Hello Peyton,
The shared house in your dream suggests a theme of community or shared experiences, perhaps reflecting a contemplation of your current living situation or the dynamics within it. The presence of an unfamiliar African American lady with green pants could symbolize an aspect of your life or personality that is unfamiliar to you, or it could represent a new influence or perspective entering your life. The idea of ghosts could indicate unresolved issues or past experiences that are haunting you, while the strangers and the act of being scolded might represent external judgments or criticisms that you're internalizing.
The bathroom typically symbolizes a place of cleansing or dealing with personal issues, so being there before encountering the stranger and being scolded could imply a need for privacy or introspection amidst external pressures. Partaking in a buffet, on the other hand, might symbolize abundance and choice, but it could also point to feeling overwhelmed with options or indulging in life's offerings.
Your previous dreams have shown tendencies toward anxiety, as seen in the dream where you misplaced your purse and felt panicked, which aligns with the feeling of being scolded in your current dream. This pattern might suggest an underlying stress about personal responsibilities or fear of judgment. The recurrent theme of unfamiliar or changing environments, such as the different school and the house that resembled your grandparents', could be a reflection of your feelings about the transitions and changes in your life.
The loss of your uncle and grandpa, as you've experienced, is a significant life event that could be influencing your dreams. The presence of ghosts could be a symbol of your ongoing process of dealing with grief and the impact of their absence. In the context of these life events, the unfamiliar figures and settings in your dreams might be a representation of your search for comfort and familiarity during times of change.
Understanding that dreams are a collage of our daily experiences, emotions, and subconscious thoughts, it's clear that your dreams are weaving together elements of your past, your personal challenges, and your coping mechanisms. While these dreams appear to carry themes of loss, transition, and personal growth, they also suggest an active engagement with these themes, as you navigate through the buffet of life's complex experiences.