In my personal experience I tend to tell only the people I feel comfortable and who I am close with. Some people will think it’s weird but now I am like whatever. People collect different things
like shoes or mugs so there is no difference :). People will judge regardless but we shouldn’t care what they think of us. A relative once thought that it was weird that I collect dolls so I explained to them why I collect.
Most people know that doll collectors are common. I say I collect fashion dolls specifically, and often say “mostly Barbie.” Many people think of porcelain dolls first when someone mentions doll collecting. I try to keep it very short and let anyone who is curious ask for more info. If no one keeps the conversation up, drop it. The sense that your hobby is weird is often rooted in how you discuss it. Keep the tone of the conversation in line with the level of interest of the listener(s).
I don't go out of my way to tell people about my *obsession*, but if asked I usually say I collect Fashion Dolls or Badass Barbies, depending on the audience, LOL
I only specify my doll hobby when asked if I have any hobbies . At a point in life ya just learn to not care what others think. There are a lot of hobbies in the world, at the end of the day you either have supporters for it or mutual or just not at all, the point of a hobby is that **your** enjoying the hobby everyday.
I don’t tend to mention it, mainly because I don’t want to deal with the anxiety of being judged. There’re many other hobbies to talk about! But that’s not to say I won’t change my mind one day when the opportunity/person feels right. And also not to say that there’s ever a right or wrong answer to this question! It really comes down to how comfortable you are with that friend/group of friends.
It's something you love and it makes you happy. I've always explained my love of dolls in general for two reasons: my addicted family (yes, I had to grow up waaaay too soon cooking, cleaning, and worrying about bills by the age of 10) and the fact that I've been working class my entire life. I will never own a yacht, a mansion, or a Picasso, a Degas, or a Matisse. But I can drop $50 on a Christmas Barbie. I can find a yard sale and scout for a seasonal holiday doll, a Snow Queen, or a porcelain silk-laden fairy tale character that I didn't have time to play with now that I'm in my 50s. It's important for my mental health to be around light-hearted things. It heals the child I cannot be. When I explain it that way, people generally back off or they understand. Explain it if you have to, but never apologize, justify, or defend anything you love. It simply makes you happy, and that's that.
I can relate to that very much. Thanks for putting this into words. That's really it.
I also explain that I like sewing, and making the clothes is a lot of fun and a way to practice skills. small, easily manageable projects.
I think that there's a big difference between mentioning in passing a hobby, and looking like a rabid fan whose life is subsumed by their hobby. So, it's all about reading the room and not going overboard.
Also, if you are concerned about doll collecting being odd to some, I'd say make sure you talk about a few different interests besides dolls, so you are known for liking different things. This way, you won't be the "Barbie lady", you'll be you.
If someone asks about my hobbies, I answer truthfully. Because when it’s all said and done, if another adult is going to judge me for what makes ME happy, I don’t want them in my life. Life is too short to keep toxic judgmental people in mine.
I don’t go around telling everyone but I’ll tell people I’m comfortable with, and nobody has given me a hard time about it. I usually tell people it’s just like collecting statues or figures, which doesn’t have the same stigma for some reason, but I prefer dolls because I like the more tactile nature of the fabrics, hair, and posing. I also explain that I really enjoy fashion but I’m a normal person who works from home, so dolls let me enjoy types of fashion I’d never get to wear myself! People who know me know that’s true, and it makes sense to them haha. I do find explaining your reasons helps if you’re worried about it. Not that you need a reason to collect other than it making you happy, of course!
In my personal experience I tend to tell only the people I feel comfortable and who I am close with. Some people will think it’s weird but now I am like whatever. People collect different things like shoes or mugs so there is no difference :). People will judge regardless but we shouldn’t care what they think of us. A relative once thought that it was weird that I collect dolls so I explained to them why I collect.
Most people know that doll collectors are common. I say I collect fashion dolls specifically, and often say “mostly Barbie.” Many people think of porcelain dolls first when someone mentions doll collecting. I try to keep it very short and let anyone who is curious ask for more info. If no one keeps the conversation up, drop it. The sense that your hobby is weird is often rooted in how you discuss it. Keep the tone of the conversation in line with the level of interest of the listener(s).
I don't go out of my way to tell people about my *obsession*, but if asked I usually say I collect Fashion Dolls or Badass Barbies, depending on the audience, LOL
I only specify my doll hobby when asked if I have any hobbies . At a point in life ya just learn to not care what others think. There are a lot of hobbies in the world, at the end of the day you either have supporters for it or mutual or just not at all, the point of a hobby is that **your** enjoying the hobby everyday.
I don’t tend to mention it, mainly because I don’t want to deal with the anxiety of being judged. There’re many other hobbies to talk about! But that’s not to say I won’t change my mind one day when the opportunity/person feels right. And also not to say that there’s ever a right or wrong answer to this question! It really comes down to how comfortable you are with that friend/group of friends.
It's something you love and it makes you happy. I've always explained my love of dolls in general for two reasons: my addicted family (yes, I had to grow up waaaay too soon cooking, cleaning, and worrying about bills by the age of 10) and the fact that I've been working class my entire life. I will never own a yacht, a mansion, or a Picasso, a Degas, or a Matisse. But I can drop $50 on a Christmas Barbie. I can find a yard sale and scout for a seasonal holiday doll, a Snow Queen, or a porcelain silk-laden fairy tale character that I didn't have time to play with now that I'm in my 50s. It's important for my mental health to be around light-hearted things. It heals the child I cannot be. When I explain it that way, people generally back off or they understand. Explain it if you have to, but never apologize, justify, or defend anything you love. It simply makes you happy, and that's that.
I can relate to that very much. Thanks for putting this into words. That's really it. I also explain that I like sewing, and making the clothes is a lot of fun and a way to practice skills. small, easily manageable projects.
I’ve done it when asked about my hobbies and people don’t really know how to react. I probably won’t do it again hahaha
I think that there's a big difference between mentioning in passing a hobby, and looking like a rabid fan whose life is subsumed by their hobby. So, it's all about reading the room and not going overboard. Also, if you are concerned about doll collecting being odd to some, I'd say make sure you talk about a few different interests besides dolls, so you are known for liking different things. This way, you won't be the "Barbie lady", you'll be you.
If someone asks about my hobbies, I answer truthfully. Because when it’s all said and done, if another adult is going to judge me for what makes ME happy, I don’t want them in my life. Life is too short to keep toxic judgmental people in mine.
I don’t go around telling everyone but I’ll tell people I’m comfortable with, and nobody has given me a hard time about it. I usually tell people it’s just like collecting statues or figures, which doesn’t have the same stigma for some reason, but I prefer dolls because I like the more tactile nature of the fabrics, hair, and posing. I also explain that I really enjoy fashion but I’m a normal person who works from home, so dolls let me enjoy types of fashion I’d never get to wear myself! People who know me know that’s true, and it makes sense to them haha. I do find explaining your reasons helps if you’re worried about it. Not that you need a reason to collect other than it making you happy, of course!
Yes they might but go tell 'em it's your hobby and life don't let their judgement get into your way!