How does your family react to the hobby ?

Haha, well my grandparents think it's good that I have a hobby (not that they could say boo about it anyways, they literally have a room in their house devoted to Elvis that has started to spill out into other rooms). Other family members know I have them, but have no idea what they cost or how much I spend on them, but again they can't say much because they have expensive hobbies too like hockey and doing demolition derbys. My younger cousins seem to think the dolls are pretty funny and my sister keeps bringing up the idea that I should try and put one together that looks like her. Heh.

 

I already collect anime figures, so my mom is already used to that. She did poke fun at me when I told her I wanted to get a doll though and she said it was something for little kids. But she thought the doll I wanted was very pretty.

The thing that she didn't like was the price (even though I might have told her he was a bit cheaper than he actually was *cough*), but she kept saying he was very well made when he did come in.

She still pokes some fun at me, but she recommends that I get certain wigs and clothes for him, so she isn't against it.

My sister had no issues with it and actually really likes the small creature-like BJDs. She isn't planning on getting any, but she was telling me I should have gotten one of those. XD

My friends don't really care about it. One of them is scared of him though, which I find funny.

 

My mom actually thinks that the dolls are quite beautiful! She thinks they're way too expensive, but my sister (who committed suicide not too long ago) was also a doll collector (although not BJDs). So, I think my parents are okay with my interest in this hobby, and for me it's a connection back to my sister.

 

It is kind of interesting, my mother doesn't get why I'm so attached to my dolls, but whenever I buy new clothes and such for them she always likes to see what I get. When we go shopping together, she will find something and hold it up with a smile "Is this the right size?".
When I brought my first boy, Spiritdoll Celtis, to Christmas last year, my family was actually really interested in how he was jointed and how he looked like a little human. It was funny though because my Gramzee smiled but it was obvious that she didn't get it. Always interesting to see different peoples reactions. The only thing that gets me angry is if someone calls them creepy.

 

My family is like "what how much did you say?" Or "why you didn't invest your money in something more real? Like gold bars or something than buying more dolls" or "you shouldn't buy anymore think about real life" or "is it a girl or a boy?"
I don't want to lie to my parents, but since they always talk like that, I couldn't told them I had 3 more of them coming. Even my bro Is always seeing my dolly hobbies useless, I can't share my happiness with my family at all. It made me totally lonely at home. And sad.

 

My mother thinks they're a waste of money. And I already feel that way sometimes about the hobby anyway so hearing her say that doesn't help. My grandmother likes them though since she's always liked cute stuff. She gives me miniatures and scrap fabrics for clothing. At least someone's supportive.

 

My father thinks the whole hobby is a waste of time and money. If I make things for them it's a waste of time I could be using to cook/clean. If I purchase it's a waste of money. He makes mean comments as "jokes".

My sister just accepts it but thinks I'm weird, which I am.

My fiance is super supportive. He's always on the look out for cute doll sized stuff for them.

I think if my mom was still alive she would love them.

 

Well gals, I was the kid who still played with dolls much longer than the "grown ups" thought I should. My mom was NOT included in that group. My mom was the one that said "you are never too old to play with dolls" and then she pumped me up on why it was OK when I was still into dolls in the 8th grade. So that is my motto that I got from mom "you are never too old to play with dolls".
My mom is and has been a huge doll lover all her life even though she grew up in the depression and had only a few dolls.
She remembers each one in great detail and played with them endlessly, especially because she was an only child until her first baby brother arrived when she was 12 yrs old.
Any who, I just wanted to give you all a bunch of " YOU GO GIRL", and do not worry about what others think. Krimanies,... it's not like we are doing anything wrong.
Dolls are ART and always will be.

 

Most of my family has a hard time understanding out of the box hobbies. They think that I should have normal hobbies like...football or scrap booking. They frown upon hobbies that are really spendy unless it's like fishing or hunting or rock climbing. The idea of spending money one action figures, dolls, games, cosplay, etc eludes them. I don't really talk openly about getting into the doll hobby because I don't want to start a lecture and defend myself.

But, I've always been a black sheep.

 

My parents just don't really care.

My sister actually has two dolls of her own and is in this forum as well.

 

My mom and I had looked at beautiful dollfies together on my phone, and it catered to her love for beautiful porcelain dolls. I told her how expensive they are, and we both sighed sadly together.
And then one fateful day at a garage sale... gosh, I still get crazy butterflies and omg-bubbily just thinking about it. I found the doll of my dreams. SD size, starter outfit and wigs and eyes, and case, and impeccable condition. Loved and let go for a very charitable price to a new home, to a new enthusiastic and caring lady.
I called my mom that day, and she couldn't have been happier. She knows I'm not a fan of kids (yet, anyways) and always loved the idea of me having an appropriate baby of my own - a beautiful large BJD. Mom hasn't seen my doll in person yet, but I've shown her pictures. One day

As for the rest of my family, Dad left a "lol" on my fb album - whether out of giggles, or old-man-cant-converse-online speak. I think he'd be ok with it, and he'd be ok with knowing how much I spent, only because of the awesome deal I got. Dear gosh, if I bought it for retail price, I don't think I'd ever want to tell him.
And my sisters haven't left any comments, so I don't think they care either way. Until I make prettier outfits for her, that is ^_^.

The boyfriend though, he just giggles. I don't bring her out of her case till I have the room to myself, so he doesn't see me posing and petting her, Aaaand I think I'll leave it that way.

But I know once I start making and finding cute outfits, and attend my local BJD gathering, he just might end up seeing her a little bit more.

 

SOme of my relatives think they're "weird, evil and creepy," but my mom thinks they're beautiful.

 

My family think they are like 'barbie' and is a waste of money >.> they never get anything i like or do.

 

My partner is really supportive now, but was a little hesitant at first just because of the costs. They would never tell me not to get a doll or anything if I really wanted it and they listen to all my ideas for modding and accessories and stuff. I think they're more understanding now because we had a discussion about how they are also a collector of things, like expensive lego sets and Magic: The Gathering decks (which can get insanely expensive) and that as long as we're being financially responsible, then our hobbies aren't a hindrance. I'm so glad I have someone who understands how important it is to have a creative outlet and such. However, none of my other friends and family know about my dolls, and I probably won't share that with them, but that's ok.

 

I think that my parents at least try to be supportive of the doll collecting in general, but I now avoid to tell them prices when they visit my apartment and ask what a new piece costs or if I had a doll send to them b/c I am at work. My mother loves the knitting I do for the dolls, though. The overall comment was why not just buy Barbies, but heck look at the prices for "collector items" there, too. My extended family might think that I am a bit coocoo, anyway (they live in another city and we do not really meet often)

 

Just about everyone is fine with it at home. Mom and bro still roll their eyes when I chatter away about it. Grandmom is supportive in my wanting to make my own dolls. Uncle who's an ex marine asked if I needed help getting them.

I'm a 25 year old male. I'm lucky I guess.

 

My parents both support me in different ways. My mother knows I love writing more than anything and her stance is "bring your characters to life so you can keep writing. Do whatever it takes to keep writing"... as long as I don't tell her how much they cost. My father knows I'm stubborn about what I like and really strange already so he is pretty indifferent. The only sibling I have is a half brother who is much older than me - we hardly talk - but he would probably give me hell about it. My fiance loves it and supports me so much he has one of his own now. As for my friends well... I don't really care one way or the other. I keep my hobby to the community lest I take them outside or something. i only bring them up in conversation when it is relevant.

 

As a guy who collects bjd i feel im judged differently than a woman collecting dolls, i wont even share it with coworkers because theyre all very BASIC and Simple minded folks. and personal things i leave at the door . as a man i find people think your a total weirdo or some kind of pedophile deviant.My Family knows im very accentric in many ways so its nothing to them but if they knew the cost theyd freak out, but my family is cool with it and my mum thinks dollfies are gorgeous .

 

I'm 54 years old, and started one year ago. My daughter did not understand why it was there in one week? I bought one doll, and a month later i had 10 dolls Then i bought dollhouses. I have a grandchild, and i made it for her...in the beginning Now i made all the lovely things because i love it ! I'm in love with a lot of dolls. Aquariusdoll Winnie and Nicky are my favorites, and i'm looking for a Lati White. I try to have enough posts so i can see here in DOA also what is on the market

 

My mom and stepmother both love seeing the tiny shoes and clothes. They save me from the "When am I getting grandchildren?" questions. My mom asks for pictures of her "granddaughter". My mom bought tons of porcelain dolls to decorate my room when I was a baby, so she's not one to find dolls creepy.