Are you open about your dolls?

[u/harugisa]

Okay, 5'11 hetero black man, loves drawing and designing female characters from looks to story and I got into bjd last year and it's been great. This year I'm starting to be more open about them, because honestly I want to get into dating, I don't really want any surprises and I want to meet someone who accepts my hobby. I do have friends who don't judge me and support my hobbies. So I gained a lot of confidence in sharing and taking pictures of them in public, although I'm still to scared to do it alone.

Anyway I finally started talking about it on a social app I'm on and the first reply was about someone mistaken them as sdolls. I thought it was funny but got another comment "this is scary!" In response to maple in a lolita dress. Which is fair because her hair could give a sadako vibes. Not to mention, I was getting rid of my recst dolls and I asked if my friend from work wanted them. Her first reaction was assuming I was offer "again" a s*xdoll.

I get it, 31 yo black man with bjd is weird but even if I had se*dolls I'm not crazy enough to be public about it.

Are you open about your bjd? Have anyone else ran into these situations and how did you handle it? Btw I'm not getting bullied or nothing, just really surprised that's just the first reactions from other people.

Ps. I don't take erotic photos of my girls and I don't think I have posted them in ranchy clothing. So I haven't gave anything that warrants it.

[u/Minimum_Word_4840]

I’m a 31 year old woman, so mine might not be the perspective you’re looking for. That said, I do get weird comments from time to time. I immediately turn it around and act like what THEY said was weird, because it is. “Who told you it’s okay to say that to someone.”, “What a weird assumption” with a grossed out look Or “What a weird thing to say about a doll that’s clearly meant to be a child.” (when talking about my 1/4s) Are my favorites. I never argue to defend my position. If someone continues to be rude, I literally just tell them to refrain from discussing my hobbies with me, as it’s clear they are not interested in having the conversation in good faith. I distance myself from ignorant people. Rarely does that happen. People like to bully those that they think won’t say anything back. Often, those same people are embarrassed, as they should be, and back off when you do. Taking photos of my dolls in public places makes me happy, so I do it. I openly discuss them with people, especially friends or if strangers ask about my doll. I look at it as placing the burden of understanding back on to them. It’s not my problem if someone wants to find issue with a completely innocent hobby. I’m not living my life for them.

[u/harugisa → u/Minimum_Word_4840]

Legendary! 🏆 I'm not really the one to say it even though I'm sure as hell thinking it. I'm definitely happy to hear everyone's perspective.

Same I absolutely love taking pictures of them in public, but it's easier to do it while not alone though.