There are two dreams that I have had from time to time for many years. I had one of them again last night, which has prompted me to finally try and find out what they mean (if anything). I have posted my other dream in a separate thread.

One of my recurring dreams is that I need to go to the bathroom, but am unable to find a toilet that isn't completely exposed and/or out in the open. The setting varies -- sometimes I am in public restroom where none of the stalls have doors, sometimes I am in a public bathroom that is one giant, open room full of toilets, and sometimes I am in a house or more personal setting, but where the toilet is not in a bathroom with a door, but is right in the middle of a room such as the living room. Sometimes I am in a public setting where I do not know anybody, sometimes I am surrounded by people I do know.

Most of the time the dream ends with me sitting on the toilet, feeling very distressed and wondering how I'm going to get up and discreetly leave without everyone knowing what I've been doing! However, when I had this dream again last night, it ended slightly differently. I was at work and entered the bathroom, which was a huge open room full of toilets. I was pleased that there was no one else in there. However, before I could "do my business", several of my female co-workers entered, walked over to where I was, and stood around talking. I kept waiting for them to leave, but finally gave up and left without using the toilet.

Because I have had a form of this dream so many times over so many years, I am sure it must signify something that is going on in my subconscious, but I don't know what. I have looked at a couple of dream interpretation websites, but didn't see this topic addressed. (Maybe I'm the only one who has this dream, or everyone else is just too embarrassed to ask about it!!)

Thank you for reading this thread. Any insight is much appreciated.

Dreams about having to be able to use the toilet but not being able to find one are pretty common, and can be about the need to release upsetting emotions.

The fact that in your dreams you are always exposed can mean that you afraid of the consequences if you let other people see how you really feel.

That explanation makes total sense. Thank you.

I have exactly the same dream, like literally exactly the same! Thanks for clearing it up

I have dreams about not being able to use the toilet, also, usually because it is too dirty, not working, etc.

It really is a very common dream.

It expresses feelings that many people share.

Here is what the Dream Dictionary says about bathrooms in dreams.

I have also had exactly the same recurring dream. Thanks.