Do people irl know you're a doll collector? (Advice/talking/my experience)

[@ahomefordolls166]

I have a picture that hangs in my room that says " The things which a child loves remain in the domain of the heart until old age. The most beautiful thing in life is that our souls remain over the places where we once enjoyed ourselves." For me that is what this hobby is all about.

[@UnicornRainbowsToysandDolls]

I love this! Thanks for sharing!

[@x_snowangel_x4088]

Thank you!!!

[@raymonddavenport1184]

I needed this as a male doll collector I try to fit in with people my age. And help me to find my true self. Thank you so much.

[@kalonjip.6081]

we need to normalize males being doll collectors

[@mon_chaerry]

im also a male collector and im trying to be more open about my hobby but i never met a highschooler collecting dolls and everyone seems so judging, i feel like its not understood by people

[@lindydiddle6253]

Everybody knows that I collect dolls, and toys. However my family would ask what I wanted for the holidays, or my birthday and they refused to get dolls, or toys for me. They said I was a grown up, and I shouldn’t want toys, or dolls anymore. 😥 However my friends didn’t have a problem with it, and will get them for me. 😊

[@havilandsgamerchannel8586]

My mom is like that. I'm adult, I shouldn't want dolls anymore, but she supports my older brother collecting Lego? how is that any different? and he's 5 years older than I am.

[@lindydiddle6253]

@@havilandsgamerchannel8586 Wow, that doesn’t make any sense. 🤷🏼‍♀️ She should support both of you with your fun hobbies!

[@lynne99]

I'm an older (by age) collector and I still get the whole eye roll when asked what I would like for Christmas or my birthday lol. Honestly just ask for money from family and you can buy the things that you want and tell the people that are closer to you that encourage and like her collection what you actually want.

[@lindydiddle6253]

@@lynne99 My family won’t give me money. They don’t want me buying what I want. Even if it’s not a doll or toy. I asked for a ladder once, and they said that was not a good gift because I might fall off it and hurt myself. (I am disabled, but not totally helpless either.) I don’t wear perfume, or jewelry, and I don’t like others buying me clothes. It really would be nice if they would just give me money, or gift cards, and let me make my own choices though.

[@kbraven7007]

@@lindydiddle6253 They are the ones that have a real problem, who are they to judge if you love toys then you should enjoy it. I mean a lot of little girls love wearing dresses and jewelry, you don't see them being frowned upon. If you love it then you should enjoy it, how would everyone feel if it's the other way around? Plus your folks do realize that anyone can fall off a ladder disability or no disability right? Have you ever called them out or try to make a stand? They should respect who you are and your interests not treat you like a helpless little girl who needs to conform to be happy. I hope things improve for you and your family starts respecting who you are.

[@maxenemondala5176]

There’s this episode of icarly that I hate called idateabadboy and in it Carly dates a bad boy named griffin(obviously) but towards the end of the episode, Carly finds out that griffin collects peewee babies and she becomes creeped out by him and makes fun of him for collecting them. I hated that part because coming from the perspective of a doll collector, that was one of my my worst fears. I’m glad griffin dumped Carly at the end of the episode he deserved better

[@spidey2430]

Omg exactly!! I hate that episode. One of the reasons I felt bad about myself

[@Iroh12345]

I remember that episode. I hated that one as well :c Really relates to the whole toxic masculinity thing as well.

[@spidey2430]

@@Iroh12345 definitely

[@kbraven7007]

I never did love those Nick or Disney channel shows.

[@ariesgonzalezag]

I used to be ashamed about it to the point where I completely stopped collecting in like 2014-2015. It wasn’t up until I started collecting more again in like 2019 where I was like there’s literally nothing to be ashamed about and I’ve met some pretty cool collectors I would’ve never known otherwise existed if I hadn’t been so open about my own collecting 😭

[@stephanieladeinde3224]

Thanks for sharing 😊

[@vincentstrenge5943]

The reason I don't tell people about my doll collectionis that I sometimes feel embarrassed. The reason is because I'm a guy. I've been made fun before. I was called gay(I support the LGBTQ community and I'm not calling gay a bad thing it's just I'm straight and I think people calling things gay are using it as a slang). I know I shouldn't be ashamed but it still happens.

[@havilandsgamerchannel8586]

Sometimes I am still embarrassed by my doll collecting, but I look at them and know that I am collecting them to make MYSELF happy, and my own happiness is what should matter to me, not other people's happiness.

[@brianmeierotto5585]

You are perfect just the way you are!! Never stop collecting!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️😊

[@jortslesbian]

my dad used to explode at me for collecting dolls because I’m amab, and he’s homophobic and transphobic and now he just screams at my mom when I dress how I want which really sucks, but he used to constantly tell me “what would your friends think of you if they knew” and when I finally snapped and screamed back that they knew and were fine with it he finally stopped because he realized it was a problem with him instead of me because by then I had realized the only reason I was completely ashamed for a long time was *him* but I realized my friends just liked me for me, I still hide my dolls when he comes around because he glares at me but now I can go out in a dress and he can glare at me and I’m just secure in myself

[@TheAlexgallardo2000]

Oof I feel yeah man my mom is really Christian and she feels the same about my dolls (I’m a man) and she’s always telling me how I need to buy men things and I’m to old for dolls but after I Cosme out as gay I don’t really care what anybody has to say💖💖💖 and don’t be as hades of your dolls boo if you like them then show them holes off

[@samiwinxtitanix5707]

You are what? Amab?! Whats that?

[@jortslesbian]

@@samiwinxtitanix5707 assigned male at birth, it’s a trans thing

[@samiwinxtitanix5707]

@@jortslesbian oh I see, Thanks💜 almost same as transgender right?! Sorry for asking like that before, this is my first time hearing this term.💜

[@jortslesbian]

@@samiwinxtitanix5707 oh its a term for assigned perceived gender as there are a lot of genetic variations that present physically in different ways so as a trans girl I was assigned male at birth, and a trans man or trans masc person would be assigned female at birth, assigned s*x is basically what the doctor says you are based on perceived s*x it’s all really complicated cus gender identity and assigned gender is a very complicated topic :)

[@tcollects2936]

why have you not be found by every doll collector on earth your amazing and your content is what we did not know we needed until we watch this kind of stuff love it

[@magicwinxcrow2612]

My parents stopped letting me buy dolls at age 12. They hid my favorite doll I've ever had (the Icy in my profile pic, actually) that I had since I was 4 when I was 15. She was my only friend up until that point, and they gaslighted me about it. I only know that they still had her when we started finishing the basement. So I hide her in my pocket and confront them with her at dinner. She was nearly ruined. I genuinely didn't think she would survive. I'm working on cleaning her hair and I have extra outfits for her now. I ranted to my aunt (who also collects toys, she's almost 52 years old.) And she pretty much said "that's messed up, they shouldn't have done that. I remember that doll. You loved her so much and I'm gonna help you get back at them." She pretty much said she'd get me a lot of different dolls and give them to me every time she sees me. She asked what kind of dolls I want. I said anything Winx Club. She said "done." She is pretty much being the best aunt ever, and we've been talking every day for weeks. My parents have no idea. Shes coming over when I turn 21 (March.) Anyway, thank you for making this! I'm not hiding from anyone, either, but a lot of my family don't know because they haven't seen me in a while.

[@jortslesbian]

I’m sorry that happened to you that really sucks!! My dad did the same with a 2008 holiday barbie I got from my sister and a bratz fashion pixiez chloe doll set that I had I loved that doll so much and it ended with him beating me and throwing the dolls away. I was like five idk why parents are so weird about dolls?!? But now after years of fighting I have the original edition rapunzel animator doll that I used to dream of constantly and I also collect le Disney dolls so I guess that turned out to be a big f u to him 👀

[@magicwinxcrow2612]

@@jortslesbian I'm glad you got what you wanted (the Disney dolls.) But what your dad did sounds like abuse and I hope you're okay, I'm sorry that happened to you!

[@machral3012]

This is exactly what I needed today! Thanks! ^^

[@xCanadensis]

I'm sorry to hear :( I hope everything's okay!

[@lynne99]

I'm 27 and I start collecting about two-and-a-half years ago and it honestly wasn't easy at first. I was inspired by my best friend who got me the curvy fashionista for my birthday and later my boyfriend got me my first Monster High doll Perry and Pearl. Things just kind of exploded from there because I realized how happy it made me just to look at them and display them. I do get kind of nervous sometimes going down the toy aisle but I realize that nobody else has really bothered by it besides me, no one's thinking anything that I'm thinking and it shouldn't be worried. My boyfriend and my best friend really supported me through my interests and finding the community seriously helped me so much. I wish I could find more local collectors but I don't think too many people will have that interests in my area. I do get some judgment from my family but I am too far into it to actually care. 😊❤

[@PrestigiousBrat]

I’m 18, and when I was in my early teen years I was so lost and I made so many mistakes that I will forever regret. Once I turned 16 I sold all my dolls because I was just a lost person and I didn’t want to see them, after I sold them I regretted it. Then I turned 17 I wanted to get them back. It’s been a really slow process it’s been 2 years now and I still miss them. Because of my mistakes from my past I really want to keep my identity a secret, plus I don’t want people from my school finding that I like dolls, I’m just a secretive person in general. It’s just who I am, and I think because of that it’s hard finding a boyfriend because I’m not an open person. I use to have a lot of friends when I was younger but I was sad, and insecure but now I have 3 friends and only one knows I collect dolls and the others don’t but now I’m so happy, I love where I am at life. My grandparents and parents know I collect dolls but I don’t have the confidence to tell my other family members, we just don’t have a good relationship plus it’s none of their business. But my grandma and I went to flea markets back in the summer and found so many Bratz for a dollar and that’s when I knew this is what makes me happy. Whenever I hangout with my friends I go to the toy section and I just say “I always spoil my cousin I want to find her something” but really it’s for me. The friend that knows I collect dolls she’s really supportive but I was so mad at her when she told her other friend, but like it’s still hard for me to open up to people when it comes to my hobby. My friend collects beanie babies but she really lost interest in it. But, I mean I do get insecure about collecting dolls, then again I always tell myself there is people who collect cars, baseball cards, footballs, nail polish, stuff like that I have nothing to be ashamed about. But as an 18 year old I have those thoughts and feel ashamed when I truly shouldn’t. During the summer I started to explore more of the doll communities and there are thousands upon thousands of people who love dolls just like me. It makes me feel so safe and I absolutely love the doll groups on Facebook. I just hope I can find a friend who loves dolls, or collecting anything just like I do, that’s really all I want. Thank you for this video, this helped me a lot.

[@x_snowangel_x4088]

I’m 18 too!! I feel the same way. I only have like 3 friends and like i never told them I collect dolls but I shown them my collection. They can pick up things quick 😂 but yeah sorry about selling your collection, i find thats so sad when people regret it :(( but don’t worry like you said there is a lot of who collect things. But yeah I’m naturally a shy person so I’m also secretive about my life too!! Don’t worry

[@abratzworld6284]

I'm 18 as well and relate so much. I kinda forced myself to outgrow my love for dolls, specifically bratz from age 14 to 17. Now I don't care and I am building my collection again 😌

[@thefourthpilot]

I'm 18 too and I totally get you. I'm also a very closed off person and that's why I haven't told any of my friends. I'm scared they would abandon me, I guess. My dad has kind of made me feel ashamed over the years for still liking dolls because in his opinion they're for children and I should sell them etc., even though his brother collects lego?? It's weird because I have a really good relationship with my dad, but it's just this single topic that we always clash on. It hasn't really done much tho. I'm still building my collection to this day :)

[@PrestigiousBrat]

@@abratzworld6284 me too!! never met a doll collector that’s the same age as me!

[@PrestigiousBrat]

@@thefourthpilot I’m so sorry! Don’t listen to your dad. My dad is still iffy with me collecting dolls, he always says “why do you buy these” and I told him “dad you know I’m a collector right?” And after that he really just stopped saying anything about my dolls because it’s my money. But I totally get you too I don’t think I could ever tell my friends I collect, It’s simply none of their business. But I’m glad you’re still collecting! I am too it’s been a really long process though!

[@edhatboy]

That is when we all Start to sing 'Loser like me' from Glee. So , My family always knew I'm a doll person , like recently My dad found a family reunion picture where I'm holding a Barbie and I was like less than two years Old , I nevera actually quited , but it was hard as a Mexican boys in the late 90's to have dolls , but here I am , at 26 , doing doll clothes as My job . I never told anyoe on middle School or High School , but when I got to Fashion Design University I became the Barbie Boy of the School 💗 , and now I have Friends from doll clubs in the city, so we have fun , like we are that people that goes clubbing with dolls , I mean when we could XD

[@KimberRose16]

I got bullied after bringing in things for a social studies class that were associated with our hobbies. I brought in my favorite monster high doll at the time and got laughed at like crazy. It hurt since obviously I was being made fun of but my mother’s culture who sees dolls as sacred is part of my hobby. I can’t fully express the feeling I had that day

[@kyleesevic7546]

aw my heart!! i hope you know that there is a large community of people that care and wouldn’t have laughed at you. i wish i could erase the hurt that might have caused you, because you don’t deserve it. people are scared to be their authentic selves, and when they see someone else do it they’re jealous. i hope you’re still able to collect and feel joy from it, it’s a great hobby to have!

[@shelbybishop5040]

I really appreciate how you spoke about this topic. I used to get ragged on for liking to collect dolls and my family would shame me for it as well. I am a bit more confident about collecting, but I still feel shame when it comes to collecting. I hope I can come close to your philosophy! Thank you for sharing your story!

[@thefairybear8369]

Thank you so much for this! I always feel so guilty wanting dolls, because of my age, and my dad saying my happiness (dolls) is a waste of money, but it’s nice to see that people feel the same way as I and it makes me feel better in terms of accepting myself. Thanks so much again!!! ❤️

[@thebubblechannel733]

Omg tysm I actually had this problem of trying to hide my dolls especially my baby dolls I put them away in a box but tysm! This really helps

[@Eunjie]

Thank you for making this video, I really needed it. As a person that wasn't allowed to play with dolls and very much shamed by it be it adults or children I feel very insecure about collecting them. Being a guy makes collecting dolls even harder for me, but you're video very much encouraged me to be myself unapologetically. :)

[@Eunjie]

your*

[@azulia161]

Thank you for this video. I grew up playing with dolls bratz specifically and I’ve always loved them and I’m happy to still have the ones I’ve held onto since I was a kid 😄 just staring at them makes me smile. I have the same belief about people as well, I always think people are genuinely good and have to remind myself that it’s the case all the time. I love your videos and once again thank you for sharing 😁

[@contessa_princessa]

I love this video so much!! It's so important. I've been made fun of for collecting dolls before but only by those close to me sadly. Strangers are always really sweet about it or interested! Strangers never have a problem with my doll collecting. If anything they're curious. It's not worth trying to hide who you are. I've done that before and it breaks my heart for my past self because she deserved better. Thank you for encouraging people to embrace who they are and to celebrate their passions in this lifetime since it's the only thing we know we're guaranteed.

[@contessa_princessa]

@@blinkbratz omg yes exactly! it's honestly really disheartening that people who know you and should care for you unconditionally deem your hobby unworthy of respect. on the same token however it's so nice to see genuine interest from strangers, it makes my spirit feel bright again and gives me hope to find more accepting people! ♡ it's a cute, harmless and usually sentimental hobby so no one should judge us for something that makes us happy ☺️💖

[@rosieinwonderland8132]

Thank you for this video. Acetate plastic will be perfect for a project im doing too!

[@lake1389]

This is one of my favorite video of yours, I love that you not only talked about how doll collectors shouldn’t feel guilty about what we do, which some times I do because of what others say, but you were also so real and talked about things that others might not, some of which I can relate to and probably others too, I also like to see the good in people and have a positive outlook on things. Great video!

[@WuffKawaii]

My doll hobby is quite interesting. It all started with me having a fear of dolls because of Chucky from Childs Play/Chucky series. As a kid I remember seeing the movie when it was on TV and I legit became my phobia where the presence of dolls made me freeze up and freak out. I would eventually get into receiving therapy to help me through this, and lets just say It definitely worked because its my passion now. I remember wanting my very first Barbie and getting her felt like such an accomplishment I couldn't quite explain, being a kid. But through my childhood and growing up, going through the phase of moving past dolls and not taking them seriously I got back into them once I could afford my own. Even as a kid I remember gravitating towards the doll aisle and feeling a little awkward, even though as a kid I really shouldn't have felt *guilt* over something like wanting something. Luckily, my mom was quite accepting of this and never made me feel bad about liking dolls. I never saw it as a "girls toy" because I also loved Spiderman and Batman toys. They were just toys to me, it made me happy. I don't really remember being ridiculed for my interest in dolls except like, a few times when I was like "too old" for dolls. Other then that, when I got back into serious doll collecting I was always pretty honest with myself and others that I just liked dolls. People would poke fun, but I didn't really care or just played along to the point they stopped. I gotta say though it is really weird how so much has changed when you realize how different modern culture was when we were younger. Like, being "a nerd" a "geek" is just normalized now. Liking comic books, superheros, anime, etc. Unfortunately, I think people take it a little too seriously and it becomes their "personality" but otherwise its pretty interesting. Every community has its bad apples who try to like, gatekeep what should be for literally everyone...

[@VeronicaStorm98]

I'm an Aspie, and ever since I re-adopted dolls as a special interest back in middle school (I forced myself to hate them due to peer pressure back in elementary school), I have been very open about it. I really don't care what people think of me, because I know I'm weird and unique. I know I'm different. So why not just embrace it and not care about people's opinions (I'm paranoid of being judged negatively or being percieved as selfish my my Neurotypical peers). Honestly, it hasn't made anyone uncomfortable and I've even gotten positive responses to it. I still feel shy in the toy isle though, because I don't trust people in general (I have anxiety due to constant social rejection and unexplained failure to make friends growing up). My dolls are honestly a coping mechanism at this point and make me feel less alone in the world. I'm just going to keep collecting and doing what makes me happy. My parents a a few of my siblings support my hobby. I tend to be very specific about the dolls I get as well, as I have to personally relate to them or find them aesthetically pleasing (I especially find pale redhead and Asian dolls to be exceptionally beautiful.), so I like to buy them in person or use specific online links if I have to. But the point is, I collect dolls because they make me happy and I don't care what anyone thinks anymore.

[@wandarichardson9084]

Hi Brooke, I am 57 years old and collect mainly Barbies/Fashion dolls, for years, my dolls are beautifully displayed in my apartment and my husband loves them, most of my family do as well but the ones who don't who cares, maybe they need to get a hobby themselves to make themselves happy! Love your collection and the BEAUTIFUL person you are!

[@MrLittlejopy]

I’m a proud doll collector and whoever has a problem with it can fight me about it. I was a little ashamed because of the bs of heteronormativity but now I love showing off my dolls. They’re works of art be proud.

[@everythingdolls9330]

I dont know..Im a doll collector but stil cant tell anyone else then my family as a 13 year old male its just to scary to tell someone else.

[@shadowthesun]

I remember this time I brought my build a bear bunny to a birthday party and literally everyone chased me around for ages because they were trying to get her and stuff her in a toilet. From that time I learned to hide my “childish” hobbies. But this video really hits home and makes me rethink all the time I spent hiding and betraying myself ❤️ Much love to all happy sounds out there who only want to have fun with their beloved hobbies

[@firacovers2922]

I've been holding myself back on starting a pokemon doll collection (I move around a lot and can't deal with lots of stuff), but my mom sure doesn't make it easy sometimes. She found out I like Mimikyu and went out and bough one for me the size of a small child lol.

[@danielchavez5804]

I don’t think you know how much I enjoy watching your videos/your energy. We seem to have a lot of similar viewpoints on the topic of dolls, and you just seem like a super nice person overall. You actually remind me a lot of a friend I had when I was a smol child, I would go over to her house all the time and we would just spend hours playing with our dolls, making characters for them, and making up little scenarios for them lol. Those were the days 😂 just thought I’d say hi, Ive creepily reacted to a few of your comments in the Rainbow High groups but I’ve never actually said hi 😭😂 i don’t usually comment on videos but I enjoy videos/topics like these so I thought I would. Lol okay I’ll leave now

[@havilandsgamerchannel8586]

A couple people know I collect dolls. My parents do and I know for sure my mother doesn't approve of it, even though I am spending my own money to grow my collection. I am currently living with them and one day when she was angry with me for something she looked at my collection and said 'Enough of the dollies (yes, she called them dollies) I don't want to see this grow anymore'. So basically I am going to keep collecting, but without her knowing I am still collecting (I've got my eyes on RH's Jade, Ruby, another Sunny and Cheer Sunny). My dad and older brother are indifferent, though my older brother broke an earring on my one Hairdorable and never told me, he knocked her off my desk and left her laying on the floor for me to discover, My younger brother actually is nice about it, he got me two Cave Club dolls for Christmas just past :D

[@jessicam6276]

This was really awesome thank you. When I first started collecting winx in 2019 I didn't want to tell my boyfriend at the time because I was worried he was going to think it was weird (relationship was ruined by something else a couple of weeks later) but since then I've thought about just how unhealthy that was and how it was a giant red flag that he was never going to be a person I should end up with, hearing you say the same thing was really helpful.

[@magicwinxcrow2612]

I used to work in craft stores and I would say and do the exact same thing that you're describing!!! Like...I would ask what people are making and they would tell me and I would actually be really impressed. I never met anyone making fairy wings and I wish I did.

[@leviackermann2.0.26]

Okay since everyone is sharing their personal stories, here is mine. I knew about Winx even before I turned 1! I got my first Winx doll (Pixie Flight Enchantix Flora by mattel) for my first Birthday. I loveeeedd that doll and kept that doll for almost 5 Years (which was really great, cuz they always went missing after some time. My dad was never against Winx, but my Mom was. She always used to throw away my Dolls when I was little because they were "only for girls" which really always makes me uncomfortable when somebody adresses me as a girl or gay just because I collect winx. I am a boy btw and I always have to adress that I am straight, but nobody kinda believes me (now idc about that but younger me was uncomfy about it) So my mom made me throw away all my winx dolls at age six and forced me to forget about them until I turned 13. Until then I always got bullied for everything about me, and there was pretty much no one that stood up for me... Anyways I always stood up for myself and got into fights cuz I didn't want to put up with the bullies. Now I'm 15 and switched schools and I've met the best people everrrrr. My best friends (all girls btw cuz boys are pretty weird in Austria idk) they all support my collecting and always stand up for me when I need help. They are all sooo awesome. I did have to go through many fights with my mom about winx tho but we eventually figured out a rule (2 dolls every 3 months) cuz she's just scared that I'll become addicted to dolls. Btw I only collect Winx. You especially inspired me to do better with myself and I learned soo much from you, just wanted to thank you♥️ And for everyone who has to go through something like this, just know, there will be better days and One day there will be people who will accept you for who you are!🙏🏻

[@tinmanlover1994]

Hi Xx canadenisisXx in mid school their was a few kids that were mean to me about my dolls and everything my friends in the speical Ed class were nice to me about my dolls and every thing. Once I got into HS the kids were okay with me and my dolls same with speical Ed class. Sense I was little I've always taken my dolls with me to Doctor apptiments, go with me to get my IV treatment and had one of my dolls stay with me in the hospital when i would get sick. Then if I had sugerys I have a doll hangout with me on my bed while I recovered

[@katesdollroom1]

I don't hide that I'm a doll collector. Still a little embarrassed about it but figure that if they can't accept it then that's on them.

[@clementine_xox]

You're an amazing human. I hope that you're in a happy place right now and that you've healed from the things that hurt you 💕

[@samosborne5032]

I’m not ashamed of my collection or telling anyone. I just stopped telling people because all my friends would always call me weird for collecting dolls. But in my last year of high school I made a new friend and when she asked what I did as a hobby I was weary but I told her and she was shocked and said she collected bratz too. So we had a lot of conversations about bratz in class lol

[@samosborne5032]

Pastel Mermaid that’s sucks but as she said in the video if you talk about them as your hobby and that you really like to collect dolls I’ve found that people may make some bad replies but most the time they ignore it if you sound like you couldn’t care less about there opinion lol

[@chloehatfield8450]

Thank u for this, I only recently told a few of my close friends and they didn’t really care! They thought it was cool!! But on the other hand I brought a doll to school for a presentation on the history of toys and I was saying that it was mine from when i was a kid because they were judging me for the fact that I even had a doll, lol. But yeah it’s fine but thanks this really helped me a lot!!!

[@monsterhighboys8123]

I like to collecting doll because I love doll ❤️

[@AllenChibi]

Well my family don't know yet because i'm new in this hobby (around 1 year) and live alone... But my close friends know because they visit my room regularly, they can see my dolls. I'm not sharing this publicly tho.... I have my own doll social media account, I don't post doll pics on my real acc... I know that's because i'm not secure with my life....i feel like if people irl know about this hobby they're gonna think i'm probably losing it, that this is my escape.... Which maybe true, idk.... But this makes me happy anyway so for now i'll continue collect dolls this way....

[@DropsOfIndigo]

Being confident and secure with myself in public is something I'm personally still working on. I do not fit in with other people and I know this. For me, it's a mental block I'm still working through. I don't hide what I like. The people in my class on Zoom can clearly see that I have dolls in the background and if the camera angle widens they can see not only more, but my princess bed covers (I alternate between Elena and Sofia sets), plus, I wear giant bows on my head. BUT, at the same time, I have this mental block where I FEEL BAD if my opinions and hobbies are different from other people. Like, if all my coworkers are talking about a movie that I'm just not into or don't care about, I feel like an idiot for not caring when everyone else does. Introduction day at school is the worst because I always feel like the biggest loser in the room when everyone else talks about all the cool, smart things they like and I'm like, "I'm a cosplayer and I collect dolls and I love Elena of Avalor." In private, I have no problem with myself. My dad kind of does, but has learned to deal and my mom is in the camp of, "As long as your bills are covered I don't have to pay for it, I don't care" and appreciates that I still take care of my childhood AG dolls they spent so much time saving for. Public is another matter though and, even though it's been years, I'm convinced that a lot of it is tied to how emotionally abused I was in my K-12 schooling and how much couldn't be done. Because I wasn't online back then (rural area, bad internet) it was all "he said, she said, she said, he said" and there wasn't much that anyone could do about it. I learned to hide myself for my sanity because when I was unashamedly me, I still got picked on. The whole experience kind of messed me up mentally because being told for your formative years how much you suck and are a loser because of just who you are and what you're into really messes with a person. It started for my in kindergarten and didn't stop until the day I graduated. I went to school with the same people all through school and they made it clear they didn't like me from day one for reasons even I can't explain. YET, through it all, I kept rounding back to those things I was trying to run from. Because it was a part of me and my soul. And eventually, I grew up and, after spending a few years learning to be a human being, have started to learn how to accept myself a little more. I am still quiet and not very open about myself with many people in real life just because, in my personal experience, I've learned that people do not care what I'm into or what I have to say about it. If they don't get it, they don't get it and I'm not going to waste my time explaining fandom or dolls to people who won't give a crap. But I also work with a lot of older people who were never into that stuff and acknowledge that others have different experiences. As a 27YO childfree by choice woman, I am a complete outlier and I just deal with it. I have my friends both in real life and online and am content with that. Does it suck to not fit in at college and feel stupid? Yes. But I'm not there to make friends or run for politics, I'm there for my degree. And me not fitting in won't make me stop buying dolls or cosplaying (which is the one i get the least shit for once people realise the makeup and hair skills I've acquired) or watching cartoons. I won't throw it in people's faces like I did when I was 12, but I also won't make a fool trying to pretend to like things I don't. (P.S. Both of my parents walked away from their families because they sucked and were much happier for it. Neither regrets anything. Blood doesn't mean anything when people are treating you as less than.)

[@MicahMatrix]

I needed to see this so I can start my new KZbin channel. I felt so free filming the first part of my video and it came out so natural unboxing my first doll on camera which never happens for me. I’ve always wanted to collect Barbies because my dad would’ve killed me for playing with them as a kid.

[@brimarie4196]

I love your chatting videos😍 especially as a new collector

[@dancingheart6224]

I'm a young adult who plays with dolls. I realized it was therapeutic for me when I was babysitting one day and I realized that I still enjoy playing with dolls and it helped me relax and "escape" from the real world (kind of like meditation or video games). I know there's grown ups out there like me, and even though most KZbinrs are doll collectors, remember that there are people like you out there :)

[@spillthek9970]

THE FAKE CALL ONE IS SO RELATABLE

[@dantebudi9016]

Thank you for this video! I relate to buying dolls while making a phone call as if i'm buying gifts for my niece cus people would look at me funny in a Barbie aisle. You brought up a great point that when our voice cracks, it's easier for other people to step on us.

[@kimsands9280]

You are a beautiful bright person and I hope you continue teaching people about these subjects. Right on!

[@Essetheartist]

Heaven YES! I post videos and photos on YT and IG. But I dont talk about them that much

[@drawingfandome]

Okay I’m very confident about doll collecting to my friends or whatever if they ask (I don’t bring it up if they don’t ask and having seen my dolls cuz that’s irrelevant) But anyways the one thing I still can’t do at least alone is go down a doll isle when I see parents and kids down the isle because the parents stare at me like I’m a creep as I’m nearly 18 down the toy section with 5 year olds 😂 so I usually have to wait to the isle clears

[@VALENSlO]

People think its creepy when I tell them, or weird, its not good but my friends love it and thats what matters

[@Otherwise88]

I love your confidence. You are so right about owning your own passions.

[@CherishedDollFriends]

Hi! I love your videos. 🥰As an adult collector, I have started telling more people about my doll collecting and even showing them off when people come to visit. It was difficult at first, but I'm so glad I have opened up about it. I enjoy it so much more knowing that I am accepted for who I am and my love of dolls. I encourage all of you to share your dolls! Oh my goodness, my cat Miss Penny Blossom looks almost identical to your kitty!

[@barbiehospital9648]

Lol some of my friends and all my family do but I have a professional role so I don’t tell my colleagues or clients! I figure if I make it big time on KZbin I’ll just quit 🤣

[@xCanadensis]

I'm a working paleontologist going for an important professional position-- I don't think knowing you're a doll collector will be the subject of some terrible repercussions. Everyone that I've told professionally thinks its interesting or doesn't care at all. You'd be surprised how little people actually care about it

[@barbiehospital9648]

@@xCanadensis you are right! I’m sure no one would really care. I’m pretty new to collecting so it’s still a learning curve for me. I guess it never really comes up in conversation either 😆

[@ClaireSea8]

By the way, I watched all the videos and it was very interesting! Thanks for the support. In fact, I often feel ashamed when I spend a lot of money on dolls. I know that I have earned this money and I can buy anything I want, but for some reason I am ashamed. When people around me see that I buy dolls every week and I can't stop.

[@daisyhoney3088]

I'm an older white woman and I collect dolls!! Lol all kinds of dolls you would not believe how many I have lol im a hoarder!! I used to have an excuse but my daughter grew up and died and my only grandauter died so my covering was gone and grief was intense so I did what makes me happy and everybody else can kiss off if they have something to say about it🙂🙃😉❤

[@brooketaylor3498]

I’m sorry to hear that Daisy. I wish all the happiness in the world towards you ♥️

[@louisebrown3121]

Very sweet message. And so very true. Thank you for making this video.

[@The_MadonnaCorner]

In my school I've met so many accepting people that accept me for collecting dolls. Even 1 of my new friends is a doll collector and we talk about RH and LOL OMG all the time. My grandparents dont know about me collecting dolls or that I'm gay. I just feel insecure about it and I dont know what to do???

[@dennyd2928]

OMG THANK YOU FOR THIS VID I HAVE ALWAYS SCARED BUT NOW IM NOT ANYMORE THANK YOU !!!!!!🤠🤠🤠

[@PinkyBear]

People in real life do know that I collect dolls and toys. I am pretty open about it despite parents and relatives thinking i'm strange for being an adult and still collecting them. I even bought a Bratz doll for show and tell in high school , again people thought I was weird, but I just ignored them because it was something that I liked doing!

[@litzyalmanza8939]

Thank you! This made my day , nobody of my friends know I’m a collector they think I have my dolls from my childhood but I actually started collecting because of you. You inspired me to collect winx dolls

[@thedisneymonster06]

I’m a boy and people think it’s werid because I play with dolls and collect them My family is ok my collecting them but I don’t collect. Most the new dolls I collect Disney and monster high but do collect new. Disney dolls

[@dollzdreams]

I turned doll collecting into a small buinsess by buying in bulk and selling ones i dont want, so now most people know and since im making profit from early 2000s dolls, its seen more ‘acceptable’ 🤷🏻‍♀️ but I do have my most expensive dolls on display.

[@dollzdreams]

Also, it helps with buying more dolls as its an expensive hobby

[@maru5502]

I hate bullies and I respect you. Love your videos

[@stephanieladeinde3224]

Hey thank you for this video ..it's just Great to have an experience from other collectors ..i collect dolls I keep my dolls away from people because I've had some insensitive remarks .but everyone in my family knows I own some dolls ,thank you for sharing this with us you are an inspiration .

[@kellierobinson1442]

I so needed this. I love collecting toys and other things.

[@daisyhoney3088]

I was bullied in my day too. Dont know why but if a girl not careful it can make her mean if she's strong or make her commit suicide if she's weak. But your a pretty girl and im not saying anything derogatory. But I don't understand about you of all people being bullied........ maybe there was nothing wrong with me either.🤔

[@angelabolden5390]

I've been shamed many times after admitting I am a doll collector. I love it. Makes me happy but I have ostracized for it. I'm an intelligent person and work very hard on my job and sometimes I reward myself by buying a doll.

[@parisLuvsdolls]

I love your authenticity! You rock!✌🏻☮️💕💞

[@riley1319]

Hi this is my first time commenting on a video!:) this video was really special to me because I collect dolls and have a big collection,I never told anyone about it but because of this video I’m considering telling my best friend about my collection :)

[@xospideyxo5471]

I had a huge Bratz collection. Two bins filled and I threw them away at 18 because I was afraid of being made fun of it. Worst. Mistake. Of. My. Life 😅

[@missdollycollector9687]

I always loved dolls as a little girl barbie,sindy,bratzs and early winx dolls . But at 2005 I stopped cause I thought I was "too old" (I was 12/5) so I gave up sadly and I lost many many good doll lines BUT MH started at 2010 then a few years later EAH and I decided to start over again into collecting cause it was a huge part of me and I missed it so much! Now at my 28 I'm a proud "mother" of 300 dolls :) And I won't stop till I die. Hope my actual kid/kids -if I have one- inherit my collection

[@diorlver]

Honestly, I think and hope you realize you were bullied because you are naturally pretty and very, very smart (ie the ASSOCIATES IN HS). Like no wonder. Doesn't make it right. I think for me, I didn't get back into collecting until college/senior year of HS, but it was always there. When I decided not to hide it, people were super cool and interested, but I think understanding that people aren't always in a place where they can openly share without intense persecution is really important. It's super complicated. However, the video game comparison-SIS GENIUSSS

[@brooketaylor3498]

I seriously appreciate your videos so much

[@deartginie9158]

I think the same, like I love my dolls and figures in general and if someone dont like that is fine, bit Im going be dong what I like and what make my happy. Good video 💖💔

[@x_snowangel_x4088]

Thank you!! It was nice hearing this!! I needed to hear this♥️♥️ thank you

[@sharonthompson672]

Beautiful job explaining! 👍🌹❤️🙂

[@princessss.]

Sadly, my own fiance doesn't support this hobby of mine and always get mad when I want a new doll. He says it's a waste of money and just bs altogether. I missed out on so many dolls because of this. Only buying a few and that secretly, I keep them in my closet. It makes me so sad. Still this wouldn't be a reason to leave him because he's truly a good person besides this.. He only accepts my other passion which is gaming.. and that only because we share this hobby.. 💔 I even lost literally all of my friends because of doll collecting. As an adult, that hit me really hard as I thought people were mature enough to accept this.

[@kbraven7007]

You should break up with him, if he's going to be this way then he's not worth your time. Collecting toys are awesome and who is he to judge? Plus this might be an unhealthy relationship if your finance is telling you to stop loving dolls and saying these horrible things. As for your friends, they aren't really your friends if they abandon you for something so petty. Sorry to hear this is happening to you, but you should do things that makes you happy life is too short in pretending to be something your not just because someone says you have to be that way.

[@ghouliabates2285]

I definitely needed to hear a lot of this thank you :,)

[@princessbarbieunicornia]

agree so much with you, loved this video thank you!! 💕☺

[@manhattantran]

Hey Brooke when do you think is the right time and open up to my friends and tell them I like toys? I'm wondering because I want them to know. The real me and not some fake wannabe I really need. Some advice since my friends know nothing. About the real me and I want to open out to them. (Also, I want them to come to my house and hang out but I never told them about my secret)

[@jaekacz4919]

Same^^ I'm like well I wanna tell them but at the same time I dont know how since they basically know everything about me I dont know how to bring it up, I'm not sure if when they come over my house (after that thing happening in the world that starts witn a c lol) I should just be like hmmm? Yea I collect dolls anyway...

[@chuckydollmark]

Well my response to anyone whose commented on my doll collection in the past has always been , “ well did I ask you for money ? And which ones of my dolls did u pay for ?? Oh ok then ! “ ... Bottom line is it’s nobody’s business! Period.

[@juan2zero007]

I'm starting to collect dolls but I mostly get figures models games and toys so as a male starting to collect rainbow high dolls I enjoy and love these dolls there are cool and unique I still collect other things like kamen rider toys but got made fun of by my sister but I ignored it because she collects anime figures so now that colloquium dolls she just got confused so I say you cant understand what makes a person who they are until you get there interest

[@bekw4366]

I find it interesting that you were ashamed about your appearance because I personally think you are incredibly gorgeous like so pretty.

[@Chevalier411]

In a wrong way I thought women didnt felt this way also. Because dolls are "girls thing" Being a guy collecting dolls in their 20s/40s or older might look "weird" and actually I feel cool weird 😁 but I know there are still some sort of pressure for other people thoughts and it should not be that way. I mean I work for what I want and like. There is also the fact that for example in my case. The doll collecting is like a shelter for me where I go when I feel sad and want to take them pics and see their beauty and Maybe think how much I would loved to have that doll when I was little and couldnt because I was a boy. So yes sometimes I see them (the dolls) as a safe place to be and as not everyone understand, I want that shelter only for me because I can Give it the true value. (I hope I can make myself understand entyrely. Emglish is not my first language 😅.) love your videos and your cool vibe!

[@tinmanlover1994]

in my family everybody knows about my American girl dolls, teachers and kids at school knowed. It's not a sercet for me

[@xCanadensis]

Same here ^^

[@TheDollBoy]

Lovely message ❤️. Great video

[@UnicornRainbowsToysandDolls]

Thanks for sharing this - great insight on this topic. 😊

[@laurentiinme]

Thx for helping me with falling better x

[@MitchMoe2]

I'm thankful my parents don't shame me too seriously, they mention it everytime I get a package when I still lived with them haha But it was mostly that they rather me save up my money for the future then impulse buy But they make me happy so it's hard not to buy rares

[@onyxie9581]

My mom and my dad dont want me to collect dolls but that's what I like doing but they get angry when I buy a dolllll😤😤😤😤😤😭

[@ClaireSea8]

Hello! I'm wondering, do you throw away boxes of masquerade dolls? It's just that I recently opened my masquerade Disney dolls and everyone advises me to sell them. Sorry my English is very bad, but I always watch your videos with subtitles. Maybe you've already talked somewhere about what you do with boxes.

[@WolffRice]

You hit the nail in the head

[@xiletelo]

"sad sack of cells" 😂😂

[@VirnBurn]

This was literally so helpful

[@monsterhighboys8123]

Well , collecting doll is good ! 😁

[@dirtypoptoxic]

Totally, I’m a 30 year old man. I’m the type of guy that when I say I collect dolls people are shocked, cuz I look like a guy who’s into sports etc... everyone knows I collect dolls and I do like the shock value on their faces when I tell them lol. Even at work when we’re in zoom calls the bell rings and I’m like “a new doll arrived, be right back”. I have had no bullying or anyone telling me it’s weird.

[@jaekacz4919]

I love this so much! I stan breaking stereotypes! Keep on being you! :)

[@meanangeI]

omg that’s so funny about the zoom meetings hahah you should make a yt channel, it sounds like you’d have nice inputs and commentary on your dolls to share with us!

[@keep_reading_rat8402]

Do you ever play with them though?

[@leotjmo5897]

@@keep_reading_rat8402 you don't need to play with them though you can just collect them

[@dirtypoptoxic]

@@keep_reading_rat8402 haha no, I'm a collector, I just display them

[@missroyaltea4012]

this was a really nice video, i loved hearing your thoughts and oppinons on this topic. also off topic but what is your cats name? btw his coller with the bow was so cute!

[@linardshobbies3656]

Thank you for making this video.

[@tonemakesmusic]

thank you sm for this, my mom hated it when i told her, probably cause i kept it a secret and i probably should’ve just told her. She took them away and put them in her closet but i’ll just take them back tomorrow, i think i have the courage to do that now lol.

[@gonz3870]

i noticed soobin in your profile picture, i think its cool that you are also a moa and a doll collector :)

[@tonemakesmusic]

@@gonz3870 aw thanks ikr, I love that humans can be intrested in so many things at once :]

[@gonz3870]

@@tonemakesmusic ikr! and it’s cool to find people that are in the same fandoms as one another even if the fandoms aren’t related :D

[@tonemakesmusic]

@@gonz3870 totally!

[@gonz3870]

@@tonemakesmusic yeah