How open are you with your BJD as a hobby?

I get to talkie about it but mostly I try to shy away from it. I'm just afraid of being made fun of. Even on doa I don't usually talk about them. I think I lost interest for now. But hopeful I can gain it back.

 

I'm very careful about who I'm talking to. Most people I know can't tell and don't want to learn the difference between dolls for children and BJDs, the collectible dolls. So, they think all dolls are for kids, and if you like dolls, you're not a mature person despite how old you are. This is sad but true.

 

I definitely talk about it with my friends, none of which are in the hobby. I do not tend to talk about it at work or post about it in social media since I know there are some people that have a fear of dolls

 

I am not open with others at work or school about the hobby. In my experience, people who are into anime, manga, lolita, etc. understand how bjd's are for me. However, I would never tell others in my graduate program about my hobby.

The people who pet-sit for us, family members, or anyone else who comes to the home are welcome to look at them if they enter my sewing room.

 

Hmmm. I’ve always been really open to my family about collecting dolls! I’ve been a reborn collector for about 5 years and recently stopped to pursue my bjd collection! I’ve loved dolls since a young age, I’m 17 now! I am a collector mostly, I don’t “play” with them. My closest friends are in the doll community, I do have one Irl friend that has known about my dolls since we were in middle school! But other than that I’m pretty closed off to new people. I won’t shout out to everyone I collect dolls but if they ask what I’m interested in I might tell them, but my family does know and my friends!

 

I keep it pretty quiet to be honest, but as a male in the hobby it's easy for me to understand and accept as I'm pretty open minded, but I can't imagine sharing with many people other than - my other half as she's the one who got me into it;she had always wanted one, I was open minded and thought why not - and my best friend who thinks I use them as props for photography but I have made a few good friends in this hobby already! I doubt it will make me open up more but there we go

 

I’m a Registered Nurse, and I have completely kept the BJD hobby a secret from my coworkers. When you work in a hospital, your credibility can be undermined by any little thing. I feel like if I were outed as a crazy doll lady I just won’t be taken as seriously. It’s quite sad, as The BJD hobby is my biggest joy and I feel like I can’t be close to my coworkers hiding that big of a secret. They know I like to sew but I can’t tell or show them the intricate doll dresses I make. When they ask me what I sew I make up vague lies.

 

I work as a Patient Transport Attendant on the ambulances, its bad enough for me at my level never mind a nurse :/ at least you have people in the hobby to talk to can always DM if you want to chat

 

A couple coworkers and classmates know. My friends know, parents and spouse of course know. One could never guess by visiting our home though. I don't keep anything bjd related out, mostly because I try to keep the stuff in mint condition. I have a large antique cabinet in our bedroom that has removable velvet curtains in front of the door glasses so that you cannot see inside. It can be locked. It looks like a big wardrobe, and nobody has ever guessed I have dolls inside. Sometimes people have wondered if I keep something forbidden from kids there, as it is a large display safe across the bed and the glasses are blocked. Then I usually tell about the dolls.

On my workplace one of my bosses know, as I told him during a lunch hour when we were alone in the kitchen. I never told him how much they cost though, so he wouldn't decline when I ask for higher salary again. I'm scared he'd think I just use my money in nonsense. Let him think it is just about in the Barbie price range.

 

My coworkers all know - I’m open about much weirder stuff, if I think people will be receptive. I talk about it a lot with my friends, too, but I try to be sensitive about the money aspect. Not everyone is going to be comfortable with the idea of spending 200$ or more on a doll, and I don’t want to upset them by reminding them that I have the money to do so. <_<

 

I'm actually pretty open with it if someone asks me what I do as a hobby. It definitely helped that a lot of my close friends fell into the hobby at the same time I did, but for those who aren't into such unique hobbies as this, I usually take it as a chance to expand their horizons I wouldn't hesitate to tell them that I collect dolls and if they're curious, I would even start showing them my instagram account and why I love the hobby so much

I've been met with a few weird looks, but they usually get it and only have nice things to say after I go into detail about how much work goes into and the number of skills one needs to develop in this hobby for it to be so satisfying for someone like me...

 

It's not the only thing I talk about but I do mention it to people if I think they won't be dumb about it. Most of my coworkers and friends have their own nerd thing so they couldn't judge me for mine. And my family knows I have unusual interests but they like me anyway. I've had to accept the fact that they are kinda terrifying to the uninitiated, but, but that's part of the appeal.

 

I'm no good at keeping secrets or hiding my interests. So I've already told my friends and some of my coworkers about it. I spent my entire teenage years and young adulthood being scared to voice my interests, it's something I refuse to do now that I'm older. And I've found that no matter how "weird" your interest, if you talk about it like it's totally normal and no big deal, people will just roll with it.

 

My parents and friends know about it, but not my extended family (my interests don't come up much when talking with them). I'm not sure how ready I'd be to tell strangers, but because a lot of my friends are artists like I am they understand the appeal.

 

I am an avid doll collector (not just BJDs) and I belong to a couple of doll clubs. Dolls are so much a part of my life that folks who know me, know this is what I do.

 

My friends back home mostly know that I collect BJDs, especially since I used to carry one around with me all the time.

But nowadays, since I moved to a different state, I only bring my Crew out when there's a BJD meetup, or I'm doing a long-distance car trip alone. Bringing resin along gives me someone to talk to so i don't feel so alone. If my anime club ever does a "what anime-related hobby do you participate in?" I would bring a doll with me as a kind of show-and-tell.

Ryu

 

I honestly try to hide it from ppl I know, they might think its weird especially if I brought up the prices of them. It would be nice to have a friend in the hobby who understands though

 

I have all kinds of dolls in my collections. Everyone knows I love dolls. It's fun!

 

I had a guy give me shit about the costs of dolls, right after he talked about how he spent a boatload of money to upgrade his internet/computer/misc. to become a Youtube Star to make money. I kept from laughing at him by sheer will. At least I get my dolls because I like them, nt because I think I'll make millions off of them.

 

I tell anyone and everyone that ever inquires about my interests, or even asks what I’ve been up to lately, including strangers. lol. And they’re all over all of my social media. I have zero shame and have never felt the need to hide them or purposefully not talk about them. I know most people are not like that, though, and respect everyone’s privacy decisions when it comes to dolls.

 

I talk to my dad about it sometimes but not too often because he thinks it's childish lol. But I talk to my friends about it all the time just not my "normal" friends and I don't talk about it to my other family members because they wouldn't really understand

 

Closed. It is definitely not a topic I bring up to people unless I've known them a while, and then I just casually try to drop it in conversation at an antique store or something. Just a little too much anxiety over it.

 

I would say that in general I am very open about my interests. But as I am new to BJDs I seem to be reluntant to let anyone know about it. I suppose I barely have any secrets so I kinda like knowing I have something that is just for me. my secret to keep, to enjoy without expectations, show and tell. I do look forward to going to a doll meetup one day but I then it is with like minded people.

I am the same. I seem to flit about with different things and some stick- figure skating, dollhouses, visiting used bookstores and others have been a flash in the pan- dance class, swimming, the gym. (I know not exactly hobbies persay but the idea is there). I don't spend big and fast as I need to see if I will stay with it. I made this mistake when i got back into miniatures.

I love that description. In real life I would say that I am professional with working with parents and co-workers but the children would tell you that they see me as a child! My best friend would describe me as unique and a less crazy mad hatter. So I think I appear as more normal online but I think that is because I don't need to act a certain way or be someone I am not.

I subscribed to your Youtube channel i really enjoy it.

 

People close to me know but dont understand. Lol I've always been a bit eccentric to them.
I'm pretty straight to the point with things so I dont have any problem with people knowing or finding out, although I dont usually bring it up unless it comes into conversation.
I guess one good thing about getting older is not caring so much about other people unless they actually matter to you. Everyone is entitled to their opinion I respect that but basically it's my money.

 

im very open with my close friends but even they find it a little odd. its not something im embarrassed about but more i just be bothered having the ‘ew but theyre so creepy’ conversation.

 

I'm pretty open about it. I just say I collect dolls and when people give me that look, I show them a picture of my favorite at the time and then they seem to understand. Or if they don't, I just shrug it off or explain how much creativity and customization goes into it. So far no one has judged me. At least not to my face

 

This is basically exactly my answer, as it’s really only my husband and my dad and his wife that know about it. I don’t really talk about it around friends unless they’re also a theatre major and would understand the reason I’d be doing something so creative and out there from the norm.

 

I'll mention it but I don' really elaborate or bring it up unless someone does. People, I feel, generally are scared of dolls so I just don't really go there.

 

I’m very open about my hobby with my friends. Some are a bit indifferent but others are afraid of dolls so I don’t talk about it all the time with the ones who are scared. I could talk about dolls all day. I don’t understand why people would be afraid of bjd’s too. They are very pretty and delicate looking

 

The thing is, that phobias don't make much sense, it's an irrational fear. I used to be afraid of BJD's. Just like I was (and to some extend still am) scared of old pocelain dolls, clown dolls and the (wooden) puppets on strings (no clue what those are called in English). To me, the bjds simply looked too realistic. It was uncanny valley, and I was sure that if I slept in the same room as a doll like that they would murder me in my sleep. I worked hard on my phobia for 4 years, and am now at a point where I own bjd's as a part of the therapy I put myself through. I was only supposed to get one, just to not have trouble breathing when we went to Japan and there sometimes are BJD's in the same cabinets as the animé figurines. Now I have 4 and more coming.

 

I am doing really well with my phobia, thankfully, so I can talk about it relatively freely and in some instances it actually helps to vocalize it.

 

I don’t go telling everybody about my hobbies because I don’t think people in general will be interested in me and things I like.
My personal instagram account is only dolls and my friends will all figure out eventually and I don’t mind at all. They are mostly from snowboarding, though and don’t really care about dolls. If they like or deslike them, they never said anything. I think because everyone knows I am odd they accept it easily...maybe.
My parents support me in every way. Dolls, anime/game figures etc (even if I’m already on my 30s and they do know how much everything costs).

I think this hobby is something supposed to make you happy. If you are uncomfortable telling other people, than fine, I can’t see any issue about having it just for yourself.
I’m really proud of my dolls and if anybody shows interest I’ll show them tones of pictures!

 

Congratulations on your therapy and wow that is an amazing step to have taken. I am in counselling right now for a few things and have had big break throughs recently but it is so hard.
Phobias are strange things. I am scared of large or sharp knives. No idea why but I struggle to cut things when I need to use them.
To be honest the uncanny valley of lifelike dolls makes me feel a little odd. I don't like the celebrity dolls that people paint that look just like them but I have mostly come across that in regard to vinyl dolls than BJDs.

 

Phobias are weird! Knives I get though, they can actually be harmful, so it seems less irrational than dolls, but maybe also that much more challenging to work through?!

To get the thread back on track:
Some people I am open about the dolls some people not so much. But the people who matter know about them and know that the dolls are important to me. They have favorites of my dolls and some they don't like so much, and that is fine. Having worked through the phobia I don't judge which ones trigger the uncanny feeling in them. And people mostly just find them a bit unsettling and not utterly terrifying like I did, so they are already at a better starting point towards appreciating the dolls than I was.

 

Yeah knives can be harmful. It is challenging to get through as you use them almost all the time. I actually have to use them at work and I can't say I afraid Snack is not coming as I can't cut the melon! But I have got better.

I have a friend who finds Funko pops really unsettling because of the eyes and yet he finds BJDS actually okay.

 

I can't say I blame him! I don't care much for Funko pops for the same reason. That, and the oversized heads. I don't like pullips and the like for the same reasons.

I'm starting to want to take a doll with me everywhere again, so more people in my new state are going to eventually find out that I am into BJDs!

Ryu

 

Literally only my family knows. I finally got the courage recently to tell my husband (married half a year, together 3.5 yrs) that I secretly collect dolls. I had been keeping my 3 BJDs in the back of a glass-covered bookshelf in my office, carefully hidden behind some books.

He was super ok with it and didn’t act weirded out (though he might secretly think it’s weird, haha). Granted, my husband plays MTG and buys expensive cards for his deck, so he’s totally cool with expensive hobbies and his hobby is full of nerds too, lol.

I think I was really self conscious about my dolls, because in my early 20s, shortly after I got my first BJD, I excitedly showed it to the guy who I was dating at the time, and he freaked out and yelled, “WHAT THE F*** IS THAT?!” And he was like, “Why are you showing me this?!” You’d think I had shown him some grotesque or overly sexual looking doll, but it was just the Lolita one in my avatar. It made me feel so ashamed, that I never shared that part of myself to anyone until I recently told my husband.

 

I actually agree with him now. I was thinking about getting into collecting them but now I am so glad I did not as I can see how strange the eyes and no mouths look.

 

I also think I'm a bit quiet when it comes to sharing my hobbies (including art, cosplay, gaming & BJDs). I don't really talk about my dolls in conversation unless I'm excited about something or found something funny on the forum. But in general I only bring up doll stuff to my family and my one close friend. They listen, but tbh, they may not understand a lot of what I say LOL.
However, I have posted photos on my Facebook and Instagram in the past so I think a lot of my friends would know that I collect dolls. I doubt many of them know the scale or cost of them (unless they are secretly in the hobby as well haha).

 

I've collected dolls all my life, so I'm neither secretive nor loud about it. At work/school I have drawn out a few students out be mentioning my doll collecting, since they have a BJD. They'll ask me if I've heard of them, and I'll tell them I own one. Instant conversation.

 

I am pretty open about it, I think! it depends if the person is asking about my hobbies-- if they do, I usually will mention BJD as a hobby I'm interested in! If it's another hobbyist, sure! If it's someone who isn't into BJDs, then they would learn something new, so it's okay! If a person were to go in my room, they'd see my dolls, anyway, so it's not really a big deal. : - )

but I can totally understand why someone would be a little more reserved about showing their BJD hobby. I've been told by older people, "Aren't you a bit old to be playing with dolls?", but that's because they don't understand the hobby and what it really is. they don't understand the artistry behind it, because they're just used to the conventional idea of dolls society makes, etc.

Also some people can be judgemental about many things. So when you're worried someone is going to judge you, you might keep it to yourself, just because you're worried or anxious about it (and anxiety is a feeling I experience often). So I understand why people would not want to mention their BJD hobby. But on the flip side I've been trying to be super open about my hobby because there's nothing wrong with loving dolls. : - ) also I'm super intrigued and interested in making dolls, too, and the process of sculpting a doll, so I think that's cool and also a good reason to share the hobby with people! Because man, that's a lot of hard work there! I mean, if you watch videos of people sculpting BJDs, you can see how much time and effort they put into making the finished doll look good! I really admire that. (honestly I wish I was better at sculpting, so I can make a doll someday, but that's a whole different topic in itself) : - D

But yea, the point is: it boils down to, does the person I'm talking to know much about dolls? Regardless yes or no, do I feel comfortable telling them about my interest in dolls? Sometimes it really depends on how well I know the person and how I feel about them, too. If it's just posting pictures of my BJDs on the internet, that's another thing! It's somewhat different if you're talking to someone about your interests, I guess. At some point or another people are going to know I like BJDs. and that's fine with me! : - )

 

I agree with this 100%!! : - D
I have lots of different hobbies, ranging in very different areas too! and I do agree it's really bad when people are bullied or insulted for their interests. It's like when people used to make fun of me (and others I knew at the time) for being into Pokemon.
But I still like Pokemon! and who cares, right? So yea I agree with you! don't let those types of insults get you down! find people who will embrace and acknowledge your interests! (and maybe share your interest, too?) : - )

 

Yeah I have a handful that I’ve always left out. My friends think they’re weird or ignore them but the way I decorate is very weird. My aesthetic is heavily inspired by New Orleans so I have creepy catholic art and Victorian mirrors draped in rosary beads and Mardi Gras beads lol so my friends are like “oh. That’s just Adam.” However, since Covid I’ve accumulated a lot more and no ones been to my place so they’re out everywhere on dressers and crowding my bookshelves that if a friend WAS to come over, I’d probably put a lot away. It might be overwhelming and I think I do experience some shame around it which stems back to my youth and kids making fun of me for being a boy who plays with dolls. But I’m slooowly starting to gain some confidence around it all and getting more comfortable with this hobby of mine that I love. And I’m getting to that age where I stop caring what people think about me. So maybe in the next few years I’ll be able to come out of the closet around it all. So I totally feel you.

 

As an older man, I am not very open about it, for fear of being seen as 'creepy'. When I first started getting into the doll hobby, even other collectors thought a man collecting them was creepy, but I think it's become a much more accepting community full of collectors of all genders.
Outside of the hobby, I will only bring it up when I have been friends with someone for a while, when they have got to know all about me and the type of person I am. Once they are cool with all sides of my personality, then they get to know all about the dolls, and they all seem to go 'that's totally you!', like of course that's the sort of thing I would be into! I joke that I find it easier to bring up the fact that I collect medical antiques than it is to say I collect dolls. The friends who I have told have all been really cool about it, because they are people who are arty, nerdy, interested in fashion etc, so they find something about the dolls that appeal to their interests.

 

I've been talking to everyone about it whether it be friends or coworkers

 

I'm pretty open, though I don't like to show people pictures. I also sort of try not to say I "collect" dolls simply because I feel like that might sound scary to some people. But most of my friends know about my bjds to some degree.

 

Hoooo boy, storytime! I used to be SUPER embarrassed by my hobby. I've been in this hobby since I was a high schooler, and I did an entire presentation for my speech class on the history of BJD's. I was really proud of it! People were actually interested in them and thought it was really cool how you could customize them, but the second I actually brought my doll out a lot of people bullied me and I was kind of traumatized.... Even my close friends said they're really scared of dolls and I felt really bad!!

This bothered me so much that one day, a boy I was going on a date with saw a photo I had "liked" on Instagram of a doll and started laughing at me for it. I got so embarrassed I literally stopped talking to him, even though looking back I think he was just kidding. I know it's really stupid now but at the time I just was so freaked out someone knew about my "secret" and I didn't want him to make fun of me.

Now, it's been 12 years... I'm a lot older and I live in a big city where people are encouraged to be themselves. BJD's are the only hobby I've ever had that actually stuck with me into adulthood, and they bring me so much joy, I finally stopped caring about who knows. I tell people up front if they ask about my hobbies, and when I was still single I would bring it up pretty quickly because I wanted my boyfriend to accept it. Now I'm dating someone who encourages my hobby! I figure everyone has a weird thing somewhere, BJD's are a pretty harmless thing and it makes me really happy ~

 

I don't have a BJD doll yet, but once I do get one it would be out and known to the world just like all the other things I proudly collect. Even if I'm not allowed to fully display anything, I don't shy away about it from friends and family.

 

I think I might be a bit closeted with this hobby. Sure, my family, boyfriend, and some of my friends know, but it's not something I like to talk about much to people I don't know. Maybe it's more like a personality trait, I don't feel the need to open up about my hobbies to almost anyone.

 

I’m reading these replies and I’m so glad I’m not the only one who is quiet about this hobby. My family absolutely makes fun of me and thinks I’m childish for collecting...it’s as if my mom is ashamed. I try not to talk about dolls too much around my family at all. When my friends come over they legit try to break into my room to see them and then laugh about how creepy they are. A work friend found out once and was like ummmm yeahhhhh weird. So yes, I also keep quiet about it. I don’t see why it’s such a bid deal to my friends and family who have to harp on it. How is it any different from collecting things from Star Wars, Star Trek, or even model cars? No one seems to rip on those hobbies. Aaaaanyway....life goes on.

 

I am pretty open about all of my hobbies whether it be reading, photography, or doll/toy collecting. If someone has taken the time to get to know me, they are typically not surprised to find out I have a collection of adorable dolls.

 

My family and friends are fairly supported. They don't ask or show much interest, and I'm still learning that they don't have to for me to feel good about my hobbies.

 

It never occurred to me to be secret about it, but I am part Japanese, and we have always had dolls around the house. Dolls are a part of our culture. We have special occasion Hinamatsuri dolls but also dolls we keep out all year. I've taken classes on kimekomi doll making and am still at apprentice level, and my family is very supportive. But, dolls have always been celebrated as fine art in our culture. And adults, including men, appreciate the beauty, skill, and artistry. Some have religious and celebratory meanings. I am sad to hear about people who feel like they are shamed for their love of dolls. Art comes in many forms.

 

My family and friends know about my hobby. When I meet new people, I won't tell them at first.

 

My mum knows, but she's also into a lot of craft hobbies and has made dollhouse miniatures and scenes before, though usually she sticks to 1:12 scale. She called my LittleFee creepy though.

A few of my friends know because I just have to vent how excited I am sometimes. They've been pretty patient and tolerant--so far! It's hard to get a conversation going about the hobby, I don't know anyone else that is into BJDs. Closest I can think of is Warhammer miniatures, so kind of apples and oranges there.

My roommate has been pretty cool about it. He thought my doll would be creepy but he said she actually looks pretty nice, and he likes what I've got for my room box project so far. I'm glad nobody I know has picked on me for it, but I'm not about to go telling my neighbors or anyone else. I grew up liking puppets and learned firsthand the weird expressions people make when you tell them that. I want to think "Who cares," but I'm still a very sensitive person by nature, so I'm selective with who knows. That's one reason I like DoA so much, it's like a safe haven for collectors.

 

I think for me, it's less the actual dolls I have any shame over and more how expensive they are. I'm not frugal by any means, but I grew up financially insecure and like to keep my savings very thick and relatively untouched. The dolls immediately equal dollar signs in peoples eyes (if they're aware of the hobby) and I've still got the residual shame on spending so much money on something that serves as nothing more than happiness for myself.

My partner is extremely supportive, however ; she loves them as much as I do. So that's good enough for me.

 

I am pretty new to this hobby but I treat it equally to my other "nerdy" hobbies (collecting & painting tabletop miniatures, D&D, lolita fashion) which means I am pretty open about it. It's such a wonderful and creative hobby .

I do have some friends who find dolls creepy but they are not disrespectful about it. It's just not their thing and I respect that. At work I am the only one with "nerdy" hobbies but it's not a secret at all.

 

I'm pretty open! But I think I'm also physically incapable of being subtle...

Shout out to my friends who put up with my endless spam of "oh my god look at this sculpt" and listen to me ramble about doll ideas

 

Honestly, there's not often a chance that something like talking about collecting BJDs ever pops up in my life. My friends who collect different types of dolls know, and I think I've posted a picture or two. But once I get more into the hobby, I plan on filling my social feed everywhere with the cuties haha.

And I hope I can help my friend get back into their own collecting!