This may sound strange but one of the most effective methods, in my experience, of achieving lucidity and assuring myself that I am dreaming is through friends. This is not something I would consider a solid way to start lucid dreaming, but I find it helps me become more sure of my dream state. While dreaming I'll come across a few dream signs that are dead give aways become lucid, but many times these signs can be so subtle that I'm unsure if I am dreaming or not. Recently I've noticed that in many of these cases I turn to my friends and say something like "I feel like Im dreaming". Almost everytime this occurs they respond with something like "Because you are". Immediately after, I become extremely lucid and have a blast. Has anyone else had similar experiences like this? If not, give it a try and fill me in on what happens. Thanks