Do you feel alone in the hobby? (even with the forum)

Nah, I don't particularly feel lonely about my BJD collection. And I don't feel a need to hide it or feel anything other than appreciation for beautiful works of art. I mean, that's what they are. Why should my appreciation of these amazingly gorgeous creations cause any room for judgement?

I've collected dolls (starting in plastic and porcelain) since I was a wee larvae- dolls gifted to me by all family members, extended family too. I would find it more hypocritical and bizarre if they were in fact critical, you know, since they've helped contribute to my fascination for all things dead-eyed.

As far as others beyond my family goes, I could give two shits about a negatively charged "dolls are creepy", because yah! Some are and the creepier the better! I find beauty in most things and especially the macabre. So, it doesn't bother me any. My dolls contribute to what makes me, me- you know? And I love me. Thanks dolls!

 

I haven't met too many people I click with within the hobby tbh, there is a bjd group for my city but all the people I got along with were from other states. So it's been very lonely, I do at least have one friend that likes dolls and even though my partner isn't into it they don't mind listening to me when I get excited about it.

 

Yes and no. There's a lot of online groups I joined right away, and all my close friends know about it. A lot of them think dolls are creepy, but they're cool with it. Some of them actually really like them too, and most importantly, my boyfriend is fine with it. Just by having his support, and the fact he's letting me show him all the beautifull dollies I see online, makes me feel less lonely.
I do understand it can be more lonely though.. I also really want to meet someone who likes them as much as I do, I've never been to a meet yet. I'm going to one in september though! Can't wait!

 

I can't remember if we have spoken, but I'm also in Alabama & I definitely get where you are coming from.

 

Little bit yes, little bit no? I used to go to meetups but life happened. And also because after awhile I was made to feel like I was not welcomed including being singled out for my allergies. Not by everyone in the group but no one stuck up for me so.. It didn't feel so great. I stopped going cause it stressed me out a lot.

 

I am :') even I didn't tell my families and friends IRL.
but it didn't stop me to want to buy more though XD
I think what we need is supporting friends to share with

 

Yeah, for sure. I don't think I've ever actually -directly- even made friends or tried speaking to people in the doll community because I'm scared I'll say something stupid/noobish or make myself look like a fool. I'm not a very social person but even then I wish I was able to actually have friends with similar interests :c

 

One of the reasons I got into this hobby was a need of something I could enjoy by myself. My social circles back then were way too toxic and dolls became a great way to enjoy my time alone. As the years went by, I got involved in my local community, wich I soon realized was broken and full of egocentric people looking for vain fame. Ever since, I always get involved only at a certain level, normally with a few people. The people I consider my truly hobby partners live 5h by car away from where I'm currently living, but we keep in touch at foruns and social medias, meeting up everytime I go visit. My girlfriend is in the hobby too and we see each other more often. Nowadays I can enjoy this hobby by myself or among others and, for me, that's enough.

 

I try to befriend folks on fb because I am way more active there! So I have lots of Dollie buddies! That said I'm always happy to have more!

 

I totally feel pretty alone in the hobby, even with the forum and with my tumblr.

My family is pretty supportive, especially because I use my dolls as an outlet for my sewing creative side, but I never want to tell strangers, or friends, or coworkers about my hobby. Lots of people just don't understand when I say I have resin ball jointed dolls, what it means. They automatically think of like, porcelain dolls that look like little girls, I think.

It's also super awkward every time I go to the fabric store and a clerk asks me what I'm making when I have fabric cut. I've gotten into the habit of lying, and saying I just need the fabric for my stash (which is sometimes true) because it just avoids uncomfortable moments. Usually when I say I make doll clothes to the person cutting, they either say something like, "Oh, American Girl Doll clothes?" or "Doll clothes? Really?" It's just really uncomfortable for me, especially not being a very open and sharing person in the first place.

I always feel like people in bigger cities have it a little easier when it comes to doll meet ups, or meeting other people in the hobby, lol.

 

Among my friends and acquaintances no one doll interested in as they interest me. When others see my doll, they admire or are tendered but then become indifferent. Sometimes I feel alone in my hobby. But I'm not sure I can share it with someone, because for me it is very personal.

 

I actually organised doll meet in my area about once a month but i do get lonely cos its hard to find friends who i can chat about dolls on a regular basis! Luckily for me my bf just started collecting while he is looking for a gift for me,

 

I just joined DOA this weekend because I mentioned feeling lonely to a FB friend. Lots of reasons. I am 67 years old and started with dolls 2 years ago. I bought a Makie doll (3D printed customizable doll) for my daughter who had just received a degree as a congratulatory present. I designed it to look like her. She was totally freaked out by it. So I kept it. Little did I know what would follow. I changed her to a new character and bought a roommate for her (I'm a fan of Korea drama so the rest of my dolls are Korean characters). I made a dollhouse and because I was moving away from the beautiful barn and property I loved for 15 years, I had the dollhouse made to be a replica of the apartment in the barn where I lived. Then I met someone who suggested I try to make hybrids with bjd bodies and Makie heads. I now have 6. Mostly I wasn't lonely till I realized that most people are into one type of doll and cannot relate to my photos that are mixed bjd. I'm a bit lost here too. Any suggestions where I can meet anyone on the forums like me? I show my dolls to lots of people. My partner is supportive, my family thinks I've lost it again (I have many obscure hobbies) and friends think it's weird and amazing but I still feel like I haven't met my tribe.

 

Totally. My tastes and interests just... really don't coincide with the average doll person it seems. I'm sure exceptions exist, but they've eluded me for several years now.

 

@Mahgiep and @ChristinasDream
Thank you for reaching out!

 

I buy cloth at a local fabric store. They sell fat quarters for quilters which is perfect for doll clothes. if you can find a quilting shop you may never have to explain!

 

I hoard fabric by the yard, lol c: Thanks though.

 

Hahaha

 

Yes, I do feel lonely in the hobby even with the forum where we can get lots of information around the BJD world, and with Instagram where we ooh and ahh at each other's dolls...but that's all there is to it...I think most BJD people are introvert, or just really shy or maybe some are just afraid of crossing the line with other collectors, well...many factors. As for me, I simply think I'd better not bother people too much, don't want them to think I'm a nuisance or something. That said, if anyone wants to be BJD friends where we can chit chat about our dolls, share dolls pictures or stories, wishlists, anything BJD related or even not related, I welcome you! Isn't sad enough when your IRL friends just don't get why you're so into this dolly thing (tho they try hard to appreciate your hobby) and you simply went gaga by yourself everytime you get those doll deliveries, they just smiled and rolled their eyes. I wish I had someone who can share the excitement, makes it all more memorable. I know my IRL friends really tried for my sake lol, but without the same interest it was just meh...

 

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