My exs dad thought I was smart and wondered why I didn't continue my education?
Dreams often reflect our subconscious thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and the specific scenario you've described involves a few key elements that can be unpacked for interpretation.
Ex and Their Family: Your ex-partner represents a significant chapter in your life, often associated with feelings of love, loss, and personal growth. The presence of your ex's dad in your dream suggests that you may still have unresolved feelings or reflections about that relationship. He represents authority, validation, and possibly parental expectations. His perception of you as smart may indicate a desire for validation or recognition of your intelligence and potential, which is tied to your self-esteem.
Education: The focus on your education points to themes of personal growth, ambition, and societal expectations. If your ex’s dad wondered why you didn’t continue your education, this could symbolize your own contemplation about your educational or career choices. Are you feeling unfulfilled or questioning the path you've taken? This part of the dream might reflect either regret or a sense of curiosity about other potentials you might have pursued.
Judgment and Self-Perception: The dream might hint at feelings of judgment—whether internal or external—regarding your life choices. You may be feeling pressure from yourself or society about "what you should be doing" or the milestones you should achieve. The fact that this judgment comes from a figure connected to your past suggests that you might be measuring your current life against past experiences or expectations.
Desire for Approval: This dream can also point to a longing for approval and acknowledgment from figures who represent authority in your life. Wanting someone, especially a parental figure, to recognize your intelligence and potential may indicate that you are in a phase where you seek validation for the choices you’ve made or the path you’re on.
In summary, this dream could reflect a mix of nostalgia, self-reflection, and a desire for approval. It encourages you to evaluate your current life choices, how they align with your self-perception, and whether they fulfill your aspirations. Consider if there are any aspirations you've set aside and if there are ways you can integrate personal growth and learning into your life, regardless of the routes you’ve taken in the past.