Bonding with your dolls

Definitely is something that happens. I had the same thing happen recently where I got a doll and realized that the style just wasn’t at all for me. The dolls cute, I liked them, but I didn’t feel that bond. It was kinda weird because I seemed to know I wouldn’t like them from the second they were all put together. Sometimes you just know.
The usual advice is to change outfits or faceups or to put the doll away for a bit then bring them back out. I also like putting the doll in a place where I’ll see them often to start bonding with them. But yeah, sometimes it’s just not meant to be

 

I’ve had a couple of dolls that I either didn’t get on with when I got them or slowly lost interest in them. There’s nothing wrong with selling a doll you don’t connect with. I found that with this hobby I really need to feel a bond with my dolls or else they sit in a box never to see the light of day. I agree with lyaam, you’re giving someone a chance to find a doll that they might not have had a chance to get their hands on. I’m in and out of the hobby and I find so many limited dolls that I have missed. Also I find that online pictures of dolls just aren’t the same as having it physically in your hands.

 

Maybe you can try the Mari Kondo method. Hug the doll, say thank you for your service and then say goodbye. If doing that feels wrong or right, then I think you have a better idea if what to do

 

This.
Absolutely this.

Not everyone in the hobby is a "bonder". For some of us, a new doll is just a doll. Something that we like having around, may vaulue very highly and have fun tinkering with or sewing for... But not in any way a deep .-~spiritual experience~-. or some kind of inanimate BFF.

AND THAT'S PERFECTLY FINE!

You're not a bad dolly owner if you don't "bond" with your toys. You just participate in the hobby differently than the people who do.

 

I really like what @Brightfires posted. You do the hobby in the best way for you. Don't feel pressured to act one way or another - they are your dolls, you decide.

As for selling, that's your choice too! If you're feeling guilty, it might be buyer's remorse. I know I've felt that before. "I bought this but now I don't really want it and I can't return it. What do I do?" Just know that selling might take longer than you think. In the end, it's your choice what you do with the doll.

 

I think it happens all the time! I'm having trouble bonding with the doll I always thought would be my favorite... Don't feel guilty, I mean, you've tried to bond and hasn't happened, I think it's healthy to let her go

 

My version of bonding is to have them sitting pretty somewhere where I can look over at them. Or change their clothes and take pictures of them, same with wigs. Which brings me to ask, or wonder what people mean when they say they "play" with their dolls. Do they mean literal playing or is it in the sense that I just spoke of?
As for personalities, they were predetermined due to my BJDs being shelled from OCs, especially Akio.

 

How do I bond with my dolls?
Mine keep me company! I think I physically bond with my dolls over mentally with stories and whatnot. I’ll take them to the store when I don’t feel like being by myself, I’ll cuddle them if I need some support, styling the doll, and even just looking at them really helps! I haven’t bonded with several dolls in the past, I move them along to someone who’s excited for them!

How do you establish a personality?
My dolls usually give off some sort of a vibe. Most of my dolls are just “cool”, meaning they just look like casual alternative kids. I find it easier to just figure out what they’re doing in their world at the moment. Sometimes I wish I could create a backstory bigger than “He’s sentient and works at a vape shop”.
I just hope that their stories will flow through the years and I’ll be able to get my imagination back!! Either way, my dolls are special with a story behind them or without one!!

 

Thanks for your advice. That makes me feel better! :-)