Question: Have you ever had a dream that felt very real to you?

Sample Answer (The AREA technique):

Answer: Yes, I have had a dream that felt very real to me, where I was in a familiar place with people I knew, and the events and emotions felt vivid and intense.

Reason: Dreams can have different levels of realism, clarity, and intensity, depending on factors such as sleep stage, brain activity, emotional arousal, and personal relevance. Some dreams may feel like distorted or fragmented memories, while others may feel like immersive and realistic experiences.

Example: For instance, some people may report having lucid dreams, where they are aware of dreaming and can control or manipulate the dream content. Others may report having nightmares, where they experience intense fear or anxiety, and may struggle to distinguish between the dream and waking reality.

Alternative: However, the nature and function of dreams are still not fully understood, and can vary among individuals and cultures. Therefore, it is important to approach dreams with curiosity and openness, and to seek professional help if dreams cause significant distress or impairment.