Treat dolls like children, friend, or simply just as an inanimate object?

Hmm. I'd say my doll falls somewhere in between "friend" and "inanimate object".

I definitely don't see or treat her like a child; but at the same time she's treated much better than any of my other collectible figures and OT dolls, which I do consider to be nothing more than decorations. She has her own little chair that she sits in on my computer desk where I can stare at her all day. And sometimes I take her downstairs with me while I'm watching TV, just so that I can hold her for a while.

I can't say that I talk to her, but I do tend to talk about her as though she were a real person, especially in regards to things that I need to buy or make for her. (E.g., "Oh Jolene needs a pair of sandals for summer. She can't go to the beach like that!") And I also speak for her when my three-year-old starts up a conversation with her. *giggle*

 

I'm probably in a similar place as SaelaVe, I don't count my doll as real, but she does have a give personality and I do adore having her sit with me whenever I'm home and I love interacting with her. She's my favorite inanimate companion, pretty much.

 

For me they are definitely an inanimate object and I would feel beyond silly for talking to them, haha.

They are pieces of art, and a great inspiration for my drawings and other creative outlets. I like changing their clothes/wigs etc but for me they are more an expensive collection of artwork rather than something I play with/bring around with me.

I think everyone has different feelings about their dolls and the hobby, and that's okay! If everyone were the same the world would be a very boring place. Everyone should do whatever makes them happy, whether it be taking their dolls with them everywhere, coddle them like children or simply display them safely.

 

I really enjoy photographing them, dressing them, and naming them. But I wouldn't say that they are real - they are more like creative pieces of art to enjoy But as long as you are having fun, appreciating their beauty, that is all that matters ^__^

 

I've amassed quite a lot of figurines, statues, and other "toys", but my one full doll (I have a few sad little heads floating around) is definitely the crown jewel of my collection. I definitely don't consider him to be "alive" (though I guess I do refer to him as a "he", lol, and he's based on an old OC of mine), but there's just something about BJDs that makes them a little more special than just a doll. I dunno. That said, he's definitely still just an inanimate object in the end. Just a very valuable one that's close to my heart.

 

Reading these makes me feel like I'm a stray in this herd haha. I actually consider my dolls as my children. They belong to me, therefore they are my own. I dote on them and want to give them things that will suit them. I call them my sons and I call them my daughters. I call them by the names I felt they told me. I also want to make their stories come to life so they can live. I like to hold them and I like to feel their weight in my arms. I like to clean them and make them look their best. I like it when they sit down with me and I like it when they make me laugh with their silly poses and actions. I like to treat them with care and kindness and I like to guess at what they may be thinking or guess if they are thinking at all. I like them. They're just strange little children to me and they're mine. Plus, I worked so damn hard on them to get them to be little characters and personalities. The tears and blood damn well make them my children.

Also, I always thought they looked like little fairies : D

I'm very well aware that they are inanimate objects. However, inanimate objects live through emotions, the same way notes on a score come alive when sung. My dolls are a song I am doing my best to perform.

I don't actually consider them my friends, mostly due to the fact that I take care of them. I'm sure if it was a friend's doll, I would probably build a friendship with it, which sounds ridiculous but I know myself well enough. Whatever makes one happy.

 

Dolls aren't my children LOL but they channel my characters (plus the little fairy/brownie WHATEVERS that are in my house LOL) I talk to everything (my TV, computer, car) so of course I talk to the dolls too! I definitely talk to my cats BTW, who talk back (in cat talk, I'm not completely nuts)...

 

My dolls are treated as inanimate objects that get special treatment

 

I fuss over my doll, but I don't treat him like my child. Maybe more of a friend than just an inanimate object.. But... You get the picture.
If his wig gets all messy, then I'll hurriedly brush it and maybe talk to him a few times in the process... But that's about it!

 

I think it depends on the day. Most days they sit on my desk and are inanimate objects. However, there are times when I just pick them up and hold them because I think they're lonely. Since they represent characters, each one has a personality and I will talk to them at times, particularly when I'm really happy or upset since I find talking out my issues or joys to be helpful. When I had big presentations for classes, I would practice for them by talking to my dolls. I never expected any sort of feedback, but as I said, the talking was helpful.

 

As "haute de couture" is to fashion my "BJD" is to my small doll collection!! So I'd have to say my one and only BJD is an inanimate object I sincerely do love but will never, never let it take the place of someone in real life or my beloved cat!!

 

I treat my dolls as their characters. They're not my children, nor are we always on friendly terms. But to me, they're a "vessel" for the characters they represent- as those characters feel very much "alive" in my head, (and they're mostly a medium to feel less alone) putting them into a doll's body makes them feel that much closer and real to me.

 

My dolls are inanimate objects that I like to anthropomorphize from time to time, some have elaborate character stories and some don't. I certainly treat them differently than a bath towel or a sock, but all are in the same category of what is considered non animate objects. I greatly care about my dolls, buy ridiculous things for them like socks, undies (because all dolls need socks and undies), leather shoes...lol. I'll admit to spending more on shipping than the item because my doll "needs it." I don't have pets or kids, so for me, there is nothing competing for attention outside of my other hobbies.

 

My boys are treated better then real people!! Lol.

 

Pretty much sums this up, lol.

 

I would always treat my girl as my child. Honestly, when she first came, I thought she was a fragile baby that needs a lot of caring. Now she's just a spoiled baby girl yet so sweet.

 

I don't treat them like children or friends, since I'd feel a bit odd doing that as they are inanimate. I do treat them with extra care, though (i.e. I'll take one with me when traveling, I'll have one sit by me if I feel like it, etc.). At the end of the day, they're still dolls - although very special ones.

 

I might say "children". Even though I never talk to them. LOL just dress up and take photos

 

My dolls are very much inanimate objects. From time to time I'll hold/talk to/play with them but otherwise I'm fine with leaving them on their shelf to be displayed. I think it's perfectly fine if people want to treat them as more as long as others (such as family/children/pets) aren't neglected in the process.

I think what bugs me the most is when people call their dolls children...but can still find them sexually attractive. As a real-life parent, I just can't even fathom the notion.

 

I myself don't see the pleasure of treating the dolls pretending they are alive etc., though I can't say anything bad towards the people who do - usually they are very delicate in their attitude and don't ask you to play along if you clearly don't seem like someone willing to. Though some people are, which isn't nice of them in my personal opinion. In such cases I'm feeling rather uncomfortable, and I try to make my way out of the person's zone of reach. I'm glad it's a rare situation, and that most of the doll owners are trying to be nice with everyone else, and not to harm in any way.

I myself wouldn't (of course) step into someone's playtime with indelicate questions, even if I'd really want to ask something about the doll or the outfit, etc. Just stepping in with calling the doll's sculpt name seems not good in my opinion, so often at the meetings I just stand aside from the "roleplay conversation" as I call it - when the people treat the dolls as the persons, call them by their names and such - and look at the dolls from the distance.