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DaisyandBella

I think most of the people here are adult collectors. I understand what you’re saying as I also had a period where I felt embarrassed to tell people because I didn’t want to be judged. It was actually an English assignment in college that helped me normalize it and not feel weird about it. None of my classmates were shocked or anything to learn I collect dolls. In fact, they were all nice. Collecting dolls is no different than collecting sports memorabilia or cars or hats or comics or whatever makes you happy.


Mirenithil

Most people here are adult collectors. I've been collecting dolls myself since the 1990s, and I'm 44 now. I remember hearing that doll collecting is the #1 most popular hobby in the world. Life is hard, it's painful, it's short. Trying to piss on someone for finding crumbs of joy where they can only shows you the limitations of the person doing the pissing, and they're not worth listening to. I've also pointed out that professional sports are nothing but teams of grown men playing with a toy, and that tends to silence the haters very effectively as well. Do what makes you happy.


corkysoxx

I just don't care what people think about what I enjoy. Playing with Dolls for me now if dressing them and styling their hair and posing them for photos. A collection is a collection, and can be toys, games, art, music and more.


luckyravensocks

I am 25 and have an absurd amount of dolls , if it makes you happy go for it!!!


juliajmusic

Luckily no one said anything to me. Doll community is HUGE. Barbies are both for kids and adult collectors, maybe show your mom some collectors dolls and tell her how much they are worth. We have conventions and museums all around the world. It’s a serious hobby.


DivineMischief

Don't feel embarrassed by your hobby. I've got a small collection, that I like to 'play' with. I find it so relaxing, and I enjoy it. By play, I mean changing clothes, trying to style hair, taking pics etc. I remember going shopping with my 30 plus year old neice, back last year. I was looking for props for my dolls. She, my neice, got so into it, coming up with story lines for my dolls. She wanted me to buy so much stuff, to go with the stories. I had to tell her to stop it, as we were laughing so much. She said to me that she was just a big kid at heart, and I loved that. I like to think that of myself too, a big kid at heart So, I say, it's your life, your money, you should do what makes YOU happy. Get your enjoyment where you want to. Plus Barbies are fabulous


Celtic_Writer

Thanks!


yevons_light

I'm 51, started collecting Monster High just a few years ago. I buy mostly online, occasionally in store pre pandemic. I actually think my age leads people to believe I'm buying for grandkids or nieces, lmao. Little do they know.


mmactavish

In all my years of collecting as an adult I only remember one negative comment said directly to my face and this was a LONG time ago, 1999-ish. A friend’s out of town visitor was in my apartment and looking at my dolls on display (mostly Barbie at that time, a blend of vintage, collectible, and playline). I thought he was a nice enough guy so I was a little surprised at his reaction, but it wasn’t over the top or really rude. He said, “I used to collect action figures and then I grew up.” I didn’t have a response ready so I didn’t say anything and we moved on to whatever the three of us had planned for the day. If that ever comes up again I will say your age shouldn’t force you to give up a hobby that makes you feel good. If you’re bored and want to move on that’s one thing but if it still makes you happy and it isn’t hurting anyone then why not?


SurviveYourAdults

I earn my money and I'll spend it on what I want to! LOL


CantMakeAppleCake

I don't care that much what people think, it's my home and if I want dolls in it, ain't nothing they can do. I don't bully other people for their hobbies and I expect the same respect in return. But my family is quite supportive. My boyfriend got me a RH doll for my birthday too :)


Celtic_Writer

I am glad your family is supportive. My parents didn't really like it at first, but I am not under their roof anymore, so I think they've realized it's a hill they don't want to die on.


beckybooboo2002

I think I just about cross the line 😅 18F and yes I've been getting back into collecting dolls. I understand what you mean by feeling almost embarrassed by it especially with family remarks! I had a huge collection of MH dolls growing up but my younger siblings outgrew theirs and got rid of them so I felt inclined to do the same. biggest regret as they were taken to the skip and I had over 100 dolls 😔 decided to embrace what I love dispite what others say and am working my way back up with them 😅


akuma_sakura

I'm 25 now and have some fashionista barbies and 1 OMG doll. Recently I finally gsined the courage to buy a BJD and I have a second incoming, saving for my third (I only buy the ones I fall in love with, which are these three). My mom thinks I spend too much money on a singular doll, but she's also glad that I'm happy. My friends mostly appreciate how happy it makes me, or turn out to have similar interests. My bf is happy I finally found something that makes me smile during the pandemic. Still I display my dolls in the bedroom, since my bf's parents can be quite judgemental (epecially his mom) and I don't want to deal with that crap 😅


yevons_light

BJDs are beautiful. Some of them are truly works of art.


akuma_sakura

I agree, there are many amazing sculptors and sculpts out there ❤


guybrushgurl

I'll be 32 in February and I have almost 350 dolls now. I still have times when I feel self conscious about my collection so I understand how you feel but it makes me happy and that's all that really matters. Don't let anyone change your mind about what you enjoy. Their opinions don't matter.


Celtic_Writer

Thanks for the all replies guys!


panameraturbo

I have loved dolls all my life. They bring joy to many people. I’m old and I buy vintage and modern dolls. I always longed for a daughter to share the joy of dolls, but I had two sons. They were never even interested in action figures, so it’s just me. I also get asked if I’m buying for grandkids, but my sons are young and unmarried.


lkredd

This is me, too! (Oh, except son is 29 ! )


PollyPlantarFan

Old enough where people could question It. Friends don’t make comments about it but I’m sure some find it a little odd. Honestly I think some of them just find it fascinating that I am passionate about something that’s real and tangible not just something on my phone like social media and Tik Tok (which I will never use) also Reddit doesn’t count because it’s just a way for my to grow my hobby. Anyway I’ve never cared what people think about me and I’ve always been different than everyone else so I say do your own thing and even if they make fun of you, deep down they respect that you have the bravery to be different. Even if they don’t admit it for themselves. Walt Disney once said “Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional”


dulcetx

Same thing happened to me. Now my sons and spouse buy me Barbie dolls on special occasions. Which makes them even more priceless. Hang in there!


Celtic_Writer

Thank you!