I think it makes sense that you posted both dreams. There is some obvious synergy between the two.
I found it interesting that both dreams contained old friends. In my mind, I think there are two other important elements worth noting.
1) Each centered around crossing a road, or path of some kind. This seems symbolic with making a life transition of some kind.
Yes, isn't there a saying "crossing over the road"? Maybe it's about changing sexual orientation, I don't know. I was thinking about barriers but transitions is also good.
2) In each case, the transition was hampered or created a problem of some kind. In the first you found yourself stuck while your friend was able to make it across. In the second, it was a short walk but significant time had passed. Then the concern over missing your sons practice. Your sons practice could be symbolic of something else you missed as a result of some life transition which was not handled well (at least as you reflect on it).
I know I spend a lot of RL energy on his practice, hoping he'll do well etc. I think it's because I was never competitive but he is, and I'm living my (supressed) competitive desires through him. Or something like that.
In summary, I get the sense of reflection on past decisions, relations and perhaps some trepidation on how that all worked out.
Yes, definitely something about relations there, as these are two friends I want to keep in touch with. Trepidation - yes - probably more about how it's going to work out that how it has. Especially in the case of BM (who featured once in a significant dream).
Thanks for the feedback, Dr T. I'm now thinking about the barriers are/transitions required in order to develop this/these friendships.
Next thing, the road has become a river. Quite a fast flowing one, but not too deep. I try to wade across but get stuck after a couple of steps and have to back-track.
A busy path is not a path, but an obstacle.
Yes, I said barrier but obstacle is probably better as barrier makes it sound like I can't get across.
Another road crossing
I really don't know what to think of this one- but the meaning seems different from the previous one.
Do you think so? Wondering what you're picking up that I'm missing. I suspect you're right as I wouldn't normally expect to have effectively the same dream twice.
Except for the road becoming a river, it seems like PDP. The part where you think the area is dull--is that because your friend is there looking at it with you? Sometimes familiar things suddenly seem very different when you see them thru somebody else's eyes.
Wow, that's a different slant on the dream. I hadn't developed the meaning of the flat land.
Taking your thinking further, I'm now thinking that our relationship can never be exciting. This is interesting because IRL I'm excited about meeting her again. (She's the one I told once about an intimate dream of me and her). Maybe the dream is a reality check.