Do you hide your hobby from certain people?

My first doll hasn't arrived yet, but I've collected many different toys for the last two years. People are always so rude to me about it, saying how it's a waste of money and I could be doing better things with my time. It makes me so mad. That's why I just find other toy people and gush with them because they are the sweetest people you'll ever meet

 

Good for you standing up like that. You are better off without that kind of harassment. Especially since you are now with such good company here on DoA. Your avatar looks like a cutie as well. My avatar is my first BJD. All of my others are just the run of the mill type that were sold in gift shops around the world.

 

I don't hide, but with some people I use term "collectible items", because lately I had a fight with one of my art teachers about my dolls, and almost left classes.
If people push, I make it clear, it's none of their business or money. Everybody is somehow insane in this world, this is my way to it.

 

An art teacher? That's terrible :c one would hope that of all people, teachers tasked with educating people about art would be open-minded to unusual forms of creativity and artwork, and appreciate the potential of dolls as art -- this hobby after all has a huge intersect with sculpture, painting, photography and other more conventional means of expression.

 

I love that last part. I mean, everyone spends their money for luxury in some way or another. Some people go out to eat, some get drunk, some buy clothes. Why can't we all enjoy our dollies without it being weird?

 

I never tried to hide this hobby. Mostly everyone I talk to knows about it mostly because my mom brings it up in front of someone or they find out because I like to bring dolls with me during trips. My dad and me talk about my dolls only because he has his own collecting hobby featuring miniature trains and cars. My best friend is the most understanding because we pretty much like the same thing. However, I don't bring up the cost to certain people because I don't want to here that I'm crazy for spending that amount of money on a doll so I keep that to myself. Other than that mostly everyone that I talk to about it are supportive because it's something that makes me happy.

 

I wasn't sure about telling my girlfriend, but she liked my characters and so I showed her the couple of them I even have as dolls at this point, and she loved them. Maybe two of my friends. None of my coworkers, though that's all omission and not lying per se. I lie to my parents about them, cause they're a little judgemental, and it's hard enough getting them to deal with things I can't/don't hide (the reptiles.)

 

She was offended with dolls boobs

Because it's not a mainstream thing, what we do.
Because it's a common belief, if you having dolls/toys/figures when you are not a kid anymore, there's something wrong with you

But spending loads of money on useless fashion items somehow is awesome (I know a girl, who will eat salads for weeks, but will get brand's bags n shoes every months). Or going extreme with food and eat way more than your body needs, is also ok. Or spend thousands on drinks and wine, is legitimate.

It's just our nature. People are biased, then why I can't be also and think that dollies are some great creatures and "invisible friends" of mine?)

 

Oh..pfft. Never mind, that's less "sad/tragic" and more "silly" sorry she gave you a hard time about it, anyway.

 

I'm one of those I don't hide it, but I don't broadcast it people. I don't own a BJD yet, but I have sewn and crafted for other dolls for years. My mother would have me show things to people--she was always so proud of my sewing skills, and I would get compliments accompanied by weird looks. It wasn't until last Christmas that I decided not to bring it up around my relatives again and to put my dolls away when they come over (which thankfully is only at the holidays). My nephew's 19-year-old girlfriend received a doll as a gift for Christmas last year, and my sister-in-law asked me to make clothes for it, so I did. My brother said not to encourage the doll with the girlfriend, that it was "stupid and silly." This made me think, "Well, if it's 'stupid and silly' for her, what have you been saying behind my back all these years?" Ever since then I have vowed not to bring up my hobby around them any more. I often tell people "Never be ashamed of the things that make your heart happy." I'm not ashamed of my dolls, but I protect myself from being hurt by those who don't understand them.

 

I agree with most people here. The only people who knows about my hobby are my sister, aunt, and uncle. The only reason my aunt and uncle knew about me collecting them was because I was sending them to my sister. I'm not sure if they are being judgemental about it, but I do know that my aunt complains about the lack of space to store them. She also told me that I should save up on college other necessary things instead. She said that when I get my own place I can collect as many as I want. Other than those people I don't share to anyone that I collect expensive dolls since most of them think it's creepy.

 

Yes I hide it from certain people... not because I have shame of it
simply because a lot of people not interest me a lot and that I dont' want to share my personal life (dolls & other) with them.
but people who are very closed to me know about dolls

 

I don't tell a lot of people, they just never understand and if I don't particularly care to know the person well then it's not worth the trouble.

 

I'm new to the community but I can already tell that I probably won't tell most people about the hobby. I'm not sure if that's sad or smart, judging from some of the reactions that other people have had. I wouldn't deny it if anyone asked, nor would I hide things if someone was in my room and saw them out. I just don't think it's something I would mention to most people.

 

No I do not hide it. If it were something bad or illegal I guess I'd have a reason to hide it. But they're dolls. If you enjoy them, if they bring you joy the heck with what someone says to you. Everyone has an interest. Our's just happen to be dolls. Besides, I don't have kids (couldn't ). But man you should see the look on the face of kids who visit my house. Well worth anything negative someone has something to say.

 

Sometimes I don't immediately talk or show my bjd hobby because I don't want to make people outside of the hobby uncomfortable.

My sweet boyfriend is a great example because he admits that he finds dolls creepy especially when they are shown in large groups. Over a short time my sweetie saw how much I enjoyed having bjds that he even bought me an adorable Fairyland Littlefee Mio Steampunk full pack as a Christmas/birthday gift one year because he knew it would make me happy and inspires me. I also try not to make him uncomfortable by not displaying more than three or four at a time and changing the bjds on display often. It makes our environment fun and keeps the bjds from discoloring. One of these days I'll sew bjd clothes that are in keeping with his favorite teams (Mets or Tottenham Hotspur) and see how he responds.

I tend to only talk about my bjd hobby with people that are creative, open-minded, or close friends/family members. I don't hide what I like but I don't push the topic on people. I'm going to keep doing what I love so if that is owning bjds I'll keep doing it.

 

I'm super insecure with any interests I have for some reason.. So I hide them until I know someone will be supportive of me. Most recently, I told my boyfriend and he's being surprisingly cool about it. Like.. Encouraging me to do more stuff. (Oh I could go on about how awesome my boyfriend is).

I've told only a few of my close friends and they've taken it well, maybe one day I'll get more confidence

 

I hide the cost of the dolls from my family, and the number of dolls I've purchased from my best friend. It's driving her nuts that I'm spending money on dolls that I could be saving.

 

I've always been a pretty private person when it comes to what I spend my money on, so I don't usually share my dolls much. I wouldn't say that I hide it though! I have my dolls on display and will willingly talk about them if I'm asked. Of course, I've gotten the "creepy dolls" remarks a lot, and the "why would you ever spend the money on something like that??", but once I explain that they hold their value and that it has helped me improve my other hobbies (specifically photography) they start thinking they are cool!

I don't hide them from my immediate family at all. As long as I have a nice chunk of change in savings they don't care about what I spend the extras on. So, that helps me feel more open about the hobby in general!

I never take them in public though (unless it's to a doll show!)... Partly because I don't want to worry about having to explain what they are and partly because I worry someone will steal them!

 

I'm in a weird spot for that as well. I'm a guy, and my fiance is the one who got me into the hobby. She has been into it for years, and I've watched her collection grow and always thought they were pretty cool. I'm big into LEGO and model cars, so a customization hobby made total sense to me. I eventually grew to really like the dolls and would help her pick outfits and accessories for some of her dolls. Since then, I now own two, one of which I bought from her, and have a third coming. It's one of those things that we enjoy doing together and chatting about, which is a lot of fun!

However, while I don't necessarily hide anything, I don't go out of my way to tell my "dude" friends. While I'm sure they wouldn't care, or would get over it, I'm not in any hurry to show them off to the guys. Really the only people who know are my fiance and those on DoA. That being said, if someone asks me about it, or happens to see the dolls in my apartment, I'm not going to lie about it. If they think it's weird, then whatever. We'll just move on and go turn on some metal, work on our tuner cars, or hit up the PlayStation like bros. I think the most important thing is that it's something you enjoy, and it doesn't really matter what others think. Be you, and try not to let other people discourage you from a hobby you enjoy.