Injured Dream Meaning: Decoding the Symbols

Have you ever woken up from a dream of being injured and wondered what it could possibly mean? Dreaming of injury can leave you feeling confused and scared, but it’s important to remember that dreams are often symbolic and can hold significant meaning. Whether you’ve encountered a physical, emotional, or spiritual injury in your dream, the message behind it can be important. In this article, we’ll dive into the different interpretations and common themes surrounding injured dream meaning. So, buckle up and let’s explore the mysterious world of injured dreams together.

What Does an Injured Dream Mean?

Have you ever woken up from a dream where you or someone else was injured? Dreams of this nature can leave you feeling perplexed and confused about what they might signify. Injured dreams can be quite common and can have various meanings depending on the context of the dream. Some people may experience physical injuries in their dreams, while others may experience emotional or spiritual injury. Understanding the different interpretations of injured dreams can help you make sense of the messages that your subconscious mind is trying to convey. If you’re interested in exploring more dream meanings, consider checking out our guide on dreaming of mirrors, flying UFOs, or having abortion dreams.

Physical Injury

Physical injury dreams are a common occurrence and can leave the dreamer feeling confused and frightened. Dreams, where you or someone else is hurt or injured, often represent a feeling of vulnerability or a fear of being hurt in some way. These dreams can also be linked to specific incidents or traumatic events that may have caused the injury. In this section, we will explore physical injury dreams in more detail.

Examples of Physical Injury Dreams:

Dream	Interpretation
You break your leg	This dream may reflect a feeling of being unable to move forward or feeling “broken” in some way.
You see someone bleeding	This dream can indicate a fear of losing someone close to you or a feeling of helplessness.
You witness a car accident	This dream can represent a feeling of being out of control or anxiety about the future.
You have a bloody nose	This dream can represent pent-up emotions or feeling overwhelmed by stress.
You or someone else is shot	This dream can indicate feeling victimized or attacked in some way.

It’s important to note that physical injury dreams can take on different meanings depending on the circumstances of the dream. For example, if you dream of being injured while attempting a parachute jump (you can learn more about parachute dreams here), the interpretation may differ from a dream about a car accident where you are a passenger.

If you are having difficulty interpreting your physical injury dream, it can be helpful to identify the imagery and symbolism present in the dream. This can help to shed light on the subconscious message that your dream is trying to convey. Generally, physical injury dreams represent a feeling of being wounded or hurt in some way, whether that is physically, emotionally, or spiritually. By reflecting on the dream and exploring your own feelings and experiences, you may be able to unlock the deeper meaning behind your physical injury dream.

Emotional Injury

Emotional Injury Interpretation	Dream Meaning
Feeling Hurt or Betrayed	You may have been wounded in the past emotionally and haven’t healed from it, or there may be some conflicts in your current relationships that need addressing.
Feeling Guilty or Ashamed	You may be struggling with some unresolved issues from the past, or you may have recently done something that goes against your moral values or beliefs.
Feeling Rejected or Abandoned	You may fear being alone or not being accepted by others, or you may have lost someone important in your life recently.
Feeling Vulnerable or Helpless	You may be going through a major life change or transition, or you may be facing a situation in which you are powerless.

In dreams, emotional injuries can be just as painful and real as physical injuries. These dreams often represent unresolved emotional conflicts that you may be dealing with in your waking life. If you have been hurt or betrayed by someone in the past, your emotional wounds may manifest in your dreams as a way of processing those feelings.

If you feel a sense of guilt or shame in your dream, it may be an indication that you need to confront some unresolved issues from your past. Alternatively, it could be a reflection of something you recently did that may go against your core values or beliefs.

Feeling rejected or abandoned in a dream can point to a fear of being alone or not being accepted by others. It may also indicate that you have recently lost someone important in your life and are struggling to cope with the loss.

Feeling vulnerable or helpless in a dream may indicate that you are going through a major life change or transition where you feel powerless. It could also point to a situation in which you feel like you have no control.

If you have recurring dreams of emotional injury, it may be helpful to seek therapy or counseling to address any underlying emotional conflicts. You can also try journaling or talking to a trusted friend or family member about your feelings.

Spiritual Interpretation

Dreams about injuries can have spiritual interpretations, too. In some belief systems, dreams are seen as messages from a higher power, and an injured dream may be a sign of something spiritually significant.

Here are some possible spiritual interpretations of injured dreams:

• Symbolic of spiritual weakness or vulnerability
• A warning of spiritual harm or injury
• A call to focus on spiritual healing and growth
• A reminder to seek spiritual guidance or protection
• A representation of spiritual battle or conflict

It is important to note that spiritual interpretations of dreams may vary depending on personal beliefs and cultural backgrounds. Some may see an injured dream as a negative sign, while others may view it as an opportunity for spiritual growth.

If you are interested in further exploring the spiritual meanings behind your dreams, it may be helpful to consult with a religious or spiritual leader, or to keep a dream journal to reflect on patterns and symbols that appear in your dreams over time.

If you are someone who believes in the connection between dreams and spiritual life, you may also want to read about other types of dreams with spiritual interpretations. For example, you can read about dreams of mirrors that may reflect on your sense of self, or dreams of deceased relatives that may carry messages from the afterlife.

Common Injured Dream Interpretations

As you may know, dreams where you or someone else is injured can be very unsettling. These dreams are often interpreted as being related to emotional distress or feelings of vulnerability. However, there are several common interpretations of injured dreams that may shed light on what your subconscious is trying to tell you. Let’s explore these interpretations and try to make sense of your injured dreams. If you’re also interested in other dream interpretations, you can check out our articles on having an abortion, blood on face, and flying UFOs.

Fear of Vulnerability

One common interpretation of an injured dream is fear of vulnerability. This could indicate that you are feeling exposed or unprotected in your waking life. You may be hesitant to share your true thoughts and feelings with others, or you might have built emotional walls to protect yourself from getting hurt.

The fear of vulnerability interpretation can be related to various aspects of your life. For example, if you dream of being physically injured while helping someone in a disaster, it may signify your reluctance to put yourself in a position where you could be hurt while trying to assist others. In contrast, if you dream of shopping for clothes and suddenly being attacked, it might indicate that you feel vulnerable and exposed in situations where you’re trying to present your best self.

An injured dream could also signify that you are grappling with past emotional wounds that have left you feeling vulnerable. Perhaps you have experienced a breakup or a betrayal that has left you feeling untrusting or insecure in new relationships. Alternatively, if you dream of having bloody hands, it could suggest that you are haunted by the pain you have caused others in the past.

If you identify with the fear of vulnerability interpretation, it’s important to recognize that vulnerability is a necessary part of forming deep connections with others and pursuing personal growth. Rather than avoiding situations that make you feel exposed, try to practice vulnerability in small ways, such as sharing your thoughts and feelings with a trusted friend or loved one. Gradually, you may find that your fear subsides, and you become more comfortable with revealing your true self.

Distrust of Others

Dreams of getting injured may also indicate a sense of distrust towards others. You may have encountered situations in your waking life where others have let you down or failed to meet your expectations, leading you to build a sense of distrust. In your dream, this feeling of distrust manifests itself as an injury caused by someone else’s actions.

This type of injured dream may be a message that you need to work on trusting others more, otherwise, it might lead you to isolate yourself and miss out on important opportunities. Remember that not everyone will disappoint you, and it is important to give people a chance and take a risk sometimes. It is also essential to communicate your expectations and needs to people clearly so that they can understand and provide support in a way that works for you.

If you have had a recent difficult experience with someone, your injured dream may be a reflection of this experience, and the feeling may fade with time as you work on healing and forgiveness. However, if you constantly have dreams of being injured by others or have a persistent distrust of others that affects your daily life, it may be worth seeking professional help to work through the underlying issues.

Remember that dreams can serve as a powerful tool in personal growth and development. Through interpretation and analysis, you can use your dreams to better understand yourself, your emotions, and your relationships with others. If you are interested in exploring more about dream interpretation, you may want to read our article on helping someone in disaster dream meaning, dreaming of a dog having puppies, or dreaming of shopping for clothes.

End of a Relationship

Relationships are a crucial aspect of our lives, so it is not uncommon to have dreams that represent the state of your relationship. According to dream experts, an injured dream could indicate the end of a relationship. This may be a romantic or a platonic relationship, or even a professional one.

The table below highlights some of the common symbols that may appear in your dreams when they signify the end of a relationship.

Symbol	Meaning
Blood	Signifies emotional pain and hurt caused by the end of the relationship.
Being Unconscious	Indicates that you are not aware of the impending end of a relationship.
Breaking Up	Symbolic of the end of a romantic relationship.
Arguments and Fights	Represents the conflicts that have caused an irreparable strain in the relationship.
Inability to Move	Indicates the feeling of being stuck and not being able to move on from the relationship.

It is essential to recognize that injured dreams do not always mean that a relationship has ended. Instead, these dreams may signify that there are issues that need to be addressed, whether it’s in a romantic, platonic, or professional relationship. It’s essential to identify the key issues and work on them.

It is also important to note that not all relationships are meant to last. Some relationships reach their natural conclusion, and it is important to acknowledge that it is okay to let go. Seeking closure is important, and it is vital to take the time to heal and move on from the end of a relationship.

An injured dream that signifies the end of a relationship should not be dismissed lightly. It’s essential to acknowledge the message your dream is trying to convey and address the issues in your relationships. If the relationship has reached its natural conclusion, then it’s time to seek closure and take the necessary steps to heal and move on.

Anxiety and Insecurity

Dreams of injury may also be associated with feelings of anxiety and insecurity. You may feel vulnerable or exposed in your waking life, and this can translate into dreams of being physically injured.

Injured dreams may also occur when you are feeling uncertain about a situation or decision. The injury in the dream may be a reflection of your fear of making the wrong choice or being hurt in some way.

Additionally, injured dreams may be a manifestation of your sense of inadequacy or low self-esteem. You may feel that you are not good enough or that you are lacking in some way, and this can lead to dreams of being injured.

Some common scenarios in which injured dreams may be associated with anxiety and insecurity include:

• Dreams of being chased, attacked, or pursued
• Dreams of falling or being in a precarious situation
• Dreams of being trapped or unable to escape
• Dreams of being lost or unable to find your way

It is important to remember that injured dreams may have multiple interpretations depending on the context of the dream and the emotions you experience during it. By paying attention to these details and analyzing your dream, you may gain insight into the underlying anxieties and insecurities in your waking life.

Types of Injury Dreams

Dreams about injury can take on various forms and significance. Understanding the different types of injury dreams can help uncover the messages they convey to us. These dreams can include scenarios of injury happening to ourselves, others, or simply witnessing an injury or accident. Each type of injury dream has a unique meaning that can provide insight into our lives. While some injury dreams can indicate physical or emotional trauma, others may have a more symbolic interpretation. Let’s explore the different types of injury dreams and what they may signify.

Injury to Yourself

Injury to Yourself can be one of the most distressing types of injured dreams. It usually signifies a sense of personal failure or weakness. The table below outlines some common interpretations for these types of dreams:

Dream Interpretation	Description
Feelings of inadequacy	If you dream about injuring yourself, it may symbolize feelings of inadequacy or not being good enough. This could be related to your work, relationships, or personal goals.
Anxiety or fear	Injured dreams can also represent feelings of anxiety or fear. You may be worried about a specific situation, such as a job interview or an important exam, and your subconscious mind is expressing those fears through the dream.
Self-punishment	If you are constantly injuring yourself in your dreams, it may indicate a tendency towards self-punishment. You may be holding yourself back from reaching your goals due to a fear of failure or other issues.
Need for self-care	Alternatively, an injured dream can be a sign that you need to take better care of yourself. This may be related to physical health, emotional well-being, or personal relationships.

If you have injured dreams about yourself, try to reflect on your waking life and identify any areas where you may be struggling or in need of support. It may be helpful to talk to a trusted friend or therapist to work through these issues and develop a plan for self-care and personal growth.

Injury to Someone Else

One type of injured dream is when you witness an injury to someone else. This could be a loved one or a stranger, and can have different meanings depending on the context of the dream.

Feelings of Powerlessness: If you dream of someone else getting injured and you’re unable to help them, it could signify feelings of powerlessness in your waking life. It’s important to reflect on situations where you may have felt unable to make a difference or in control. This dream may be a message to find ways to regain your power and control in your waking life.

Empathy and Compassion: Witnessing someone else’s injury in a dream may also indicate your empathetic and compassionate nature. You may be deeply affected by other people’s pain and suffering, and this dream may be a reflection of those feelings in your subconscious.

Conflict with the Injured Person: Alternatively, if you have a conflict or tension with the person who gets injured in your dream, it could indicate unresolved issues or negative emotions towards that person. Perhaps you need to work on resolving those differences in order to move forward in your relationship.

It’s important to note that while witnessing someone else’s injury in a dream can be distressing, it doesn’t necessarily predict any actual harm or danger to that person in waking life. However, if you have recurring dreams of seeing someone getting injured, it may be worth discussing with a therapist to work through any underlying anxieties or traumas.

Witnessing an Injury or Accident

One of the most distressing types of injured dreams is witnessing an injury or accident. This dream is often associated with a feeling of powerlessness, fear, and helplessness. You may experience this dream when you have recently witnessed or heard about a traumatic incident or accident in real life. Here are some possible interpretations of this dream:

Interpretation	Description
Empathy with Others	Witnessing an injury or accident dream could be a reflection of your ability to empathize with others. It could also mean that you are excessively worrying about someone you care about.
Fear of Losing Control	It may portray a fear of losing control of a situation or being unable to prevent disaster.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)	Witnessing an injury or accident dream could be a sign of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you have experienced a traumatic event lately, it is probable to continue replaying images of that event subconsciously.

If you have injured dreams involving witnessing an injury or accident, it is crucial to take notice of how you are feeling. Likewise, take the time to recall the details of the dream carefully, as this will aid in your reflection and analysis. Remember to seek professional assistance if you think that your dreams are affecting your mental health.

How to Analyze Your Injured Dreams

As you try to decipher the meaning behind your injured dreams, it can be difficult to know where to start. But fear not, as there are several techniques you can use to analyze and interpret these dreams. By paying close attention to the details, your emotions, and your waking life, you can uncover the hidden messages within your injured dreams. In this section, we will explore various strategies for dissecting your dreams and making sense of the symbolism involved. So, grab a pen and paper, get comfortable, and prepare to unlock the secrets of your subconscious mind.

Take Note of the Details

When you experience an injured dream, it’s important to take note of the details in order to better understand its meaning. Here are some specific details to pay attention to:

• The type of injury: Was it a physical or emotional injury, or both?
• The location of the injury: Where on the body was the injury located?
• The severity of the injury: Was it a minor injury or something more serious?
• The cause of the injury: How did the injury occur?
• The people involved: Who was present during the injury?
• The emotions felt: How did you feel during the dream?

Taking note of these details can help you to fully analyze your injured dream and gain insight into what it may signify. It may also be helpful to write down your dream as soon as you wake up, so you don’t forget any important details. By doing so, you give yourself the opportunity to look back at the dream later on and draw connections between the dream and your waking life.

Consider Your Emotions

One important step in analyzing your injured dreams is to consider your emotions. Often, our dreams are a reflection of our emotions and can reveal underlying feelings that we may not be consciously aware of.

To help with this step, consider creating a table to list the emotions you felt during the dream and the emotions that come up as you reflect on the dream. Here is an example of what your table could look like:

Emotions Felt During Dream	Emotions Felt Upon Reflection
Fear	Anxiety
Pain	Sadness
Helplessness	Powerlessness

As you fill in your table, pay attention to any patterns or recurring emotions that come up. Are you feeling a lot of fear or anxiety in your dreams? This could suggest that you are dealing with feelings of uncertainty or vulnerability in your waking life. Are you feeling a sense of helplessness or powerlessness in your dreams? This could be a sign that you are struggling with feelings of control or agency in your waking life.

It’s important to remember that our emotions are complex and multi-layered, so don’t be afraid to dig deeper and explore the nuances of your emotions. This can help you gain a better understanding of the underlying meanings and messages of your injured dreams.

Connect the Dream to Your Waking Life

Connecting your dream to your waking life is one of the most crucial steps in analyzing your injured dream. This step involves looking for connections between what is happening in your dream and what is currently happening in your life.

To do this, start by making a list of any significant events or changes in your life. These can be positive or negative. Then, review your dream and note any similarities or connections to those events. For example, if you recently experienced a breakup, and your dream involved an injury in a relationship, there could be a connection.

It’s important to note that not all connections may be obvious or apparent at first glance. Sometimes the connections may be symbolic or represent a deeper meaning. This is where it’s helpful to look at the various layers of the dream.

Consider the setting, characters, and symbols in the dream and how they relate to your waking life. Think about how your subconscious mind may be trying to communicate with you through the dream.

Additionally, pay attention to your emotions while connecting the dream to your waking life. Are there any emotions, fears, or anxieties that are present in both the dream and waking life? This can help in identifying the underlying message of the dream.

Once you have connected the dream to your waking life, try to look at the bigger picture. What is the message that your subconscious mind is trying to convey? What changes or actions can you take to address these underlying issues? Remember, your dream is a reflection of your inner thoughts and emotions, and analyzing it can lead to a better understanding of yourself and your waking life.

Step	Description
1	Make a list of significant events or changes in your life.
2	Review your dream and note any similarities or connections to your waking life.
3	Look for connections that may be symbolic or represent a deeper meaning.
4	Consider the setting, characters, and symbols in the dream and how they relate to your waking life.
5	Pay attention to your emotions while connecting the dream to your waking life.
6	Try to look at the bigger picture and identify the message your subconscious mind is trying to convey.
7	Think about changes or actions you can take to address underlying issues.

Reflect on the Message

Once you have analyzed the details, your emotions, and the possible connections to your waking life, it’s important to take some time to reflect on the message that your injured dream may be trying to convey. This reflection is an essential step in understanding your subconscious thoughts and emotions and using them to improve your waking life. Here are some ways to reflect on the message of your injured dream:

• Write it down: Take some time to write out the message of your dream. Putting it into words can help you process the meaning and gain a deeper understanding of what your subconscious is trying to tell you.
• Consider the symbolism: If there were any particular symbols or images in your injured dream, reflect on what those might represent. For example, if you dreamt of a broken leg, reflect on what legs symbolize in your waking life. This can help you gain insight into the possible meaning of the dream.
• Ask yourself questions: Ask yourself questions about the possible meaning and message of the dream. For example, what emotions were present in the dream, and how do they relate to your waking life? What areas of your life might the dream be referring to?
• Visualize a resolution: Once you have a better understanding of the message of your injured dream, visualize a resolution to the issue that’s causing the distress. This can help you move past any negative emotions and start implementing necessary changes in your daily life.

Reflection is an essential step in gaining insight into your injured dream and using that insight to improve your waking life. By taking the time to reflect on the message, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your subconscious mind.

When to Seek Help

As we’ve explored the potential meanings behind injured dreams, it’s important to recognize that some dreams may require more attention than others. It’s natural to feel perplexed or unsettled by certain dream scenarios, but there are certain red flags to keep an eye out for. If any of the following situations apply to you, it may be wise to seek help or guidance: strong and recurring dreams that disrupt your daily life, intense emotional distress triggered by the dream, or a sense of disruption in your waking life that seems related to the dream. Let’s take a closer look at these warning signs and how to address them.

Recurring Injured Dreams

Recurring Injured Dreams

If you continually have dreams about being injured or witnessing an injury, it could be a sign that your subconscious is trying to communicate a deeper message to you. Recurrent dreams hold a significant meaning and serve as a wake-up call to understand what is happening in your life.

Here are some possible explanations for recurring injured dreams:

Explanation	Description
Unresolved Trauma	If you have experienced a traumatic event in your past, your subconscious may be using the injuries in your dreams as a representation of that experience. It is essential to seek help from a therapist or counselor to work through these unresolved traumas.
Physical Health Concerns	Recurrent dreams of being injured could be your body’s way of signaling that there is an underlying physical condition that requires attention. It is crucial to have regular medical checkups to ensure that your physical health is in good condition.
Mental Health Concerns	If you are experiencing persistent anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, your mind may be revealing its distress through repeating injury dreams. It is important to seek professional help to address these underlying concerns.

It is crucial to pay attention to recurring injured dream patterns as they could be a warning sign of a more significant problem. Seek guidance from a therapist, counselor, or medical professional if you experience recurring injured dreams.

Intense Emotional Distress

One warning sign that you should seek help for your injured dreams is if they are causing intense emotional distress. Dreaming about being injured can be distressing in and of itself, but if the emotions continue well into the waking day or start to interfere with your daily life, it is time to seek professional help.

Here are some possible signs of intense emotional distress caused by injured dreams:

Signs of Emotional Distress	Explanation
Difficulty sleeping	Your injured dreams may make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, which can exacerbate emotional distress and lead to other health problems.
Anxiety and fear	You may start to feel anxious and fearful during the day as a result of your injured dreams. This can make it hard to concentrate on work or school and lead to social isolation.
Depression and sadness	Your injured dreams may cause you to feel depressed and sad, and these feelings may persist even when you are awake.
Loss of interest in activities	You may lose interest in your hobbies and things that used to bring you joy as a result of your emotional distress.
Withdrawal from social situations	You may start to avoid social situations or cut off contact with friends and family as a result of your emotional distress. This can lead to further isolation and make it harder to seek help.

Remember, it is normal to feel some emotions after having a vivid or unsettling dream. However, if your injured dreams are causing intense emotional distress that persists well into the waking day, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional who can help you work through your feelings and any underlying issues that may be contributing to your dreams.

Disruption in Daily Life

One sign that you may need to seek help for your injured dreams is if they are causing a disruption in your daily life. This could mean:

• Feeling tired or sluggish during the day because you’re not getting enough restful sleep due to nightmares about injury.
• Avoiding certain activities or situations because they trigger anxiety related to your dreams.
• Having difficulty concentrating at work or school because your mind is preoccupied with the emotions and images from your dreams.
• Experiencing a decline in your mental health, such as developing depression or anxiety disorders as a result of constant distress caused by recurring injured dreams.

If any of these disruptions sound familiar, it may be time to seek help from a mental health professional. Addressing the underlying cause of your injured dreams can help alleviate the distress and allow you to regain control of your daily life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, injured dreams can be unsettling and often leave us feeling confused and vulnerable upon awakening. However, it’s important to remember that dreams are a reflection of our subconscious mind and may not always have a literal interpretation.

When we dream about being injured or witnessing an injury, it’s important to take note of the type of injury and our emotions surrounding the dream. This can help us to better understand any underlying fears or anxieties that may be affecting us in our waking life.

Common interpretations of injured dreams include a fear of vulnerability, distrust of others, and anxiety and insecurity. However, the specific details and emotions surrounding the dream can vary from person to person and may require further analysis.

If you find that you are repeatedly having injured dreams or are experiencing intense emotional distress as a result of these dreams, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or counselor. They can assist you in interpreting your dreams and working through any underlying issues that may be affecting you.

Overall, injured dreams are a natural part of the dreaming process and can provide valuable insight into our emotional and psychological well-being. By taking the time to analyze and reflect on these dreams, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our innermost fears and desires.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when you dream about being injured?

Dreaming about being injured can signify physical injury, emotional injury, or a spiritual interpretation.

Can injury dreams have different meanings?

Yes, injury dreams can have different meanings based on the type of injury, the context of the dream, and the emotions associated with the dream.

What are common interpretations of injury dreams?

Some common interpretations include fear of vulnerability, distrust of others, end of a relationship, and anxiety or insecurity.

What are some types of injury dreams?

Types of injury dreams include those where you are injured, where someone else is injured, or where you witness an injury or accident.

Should I analyze my injured dreams?

Yes, analyzing your injured dreams can help you understand any underlying fears or anxieties you may have, and can provide insights into your waking life.

How do I analyze my injured dreams?

To analyze your injured dreams, take note of the details, consider your emotions, connect the dream to your waking life, and reflect on the message the dream may be trying to convey.

When should I seek help for recurring injury dreams?

If you are experiencing recurring injury dreams, intense emotional distress, or disruptions in your daily life, you may want to consider seeking the help of a mental health professional.

Can injury dreams be a sign of trauma?

Yes, injury dreams can be a sign of trauma, especially if they are recurring and accompanied by other symptoms such as anxiety or depression.

Can injury dreams be positive?

While injury dreams are usually associated with negative emotions, they can also have positive interpretations, such as representing a release of pent-up emotions or a sign of growth and transformation.

Are injury dreams common?

Yes, injury dreams are fairly common and can happen to anyone. However, the frequency and intensity of these dreams can vary from person to person.