BlytheLife.com opened in July 2010 and is a blog and resource hub for all things Blythe!
But First, Dolls
Written on February 4, 2016 at 3:00 pm by MichelleFiled under: Musings
I was having a conversation with a fellow Blythe enthusiast online the other day and she asked me how she should introduce her newly minted significant other to the fact that she collects and plays with Blythe dolls (along with other toys). This is a problem that I personally didn’t have (I started collecting Blythe dolls after I started seeing someone), just due to timing and the chronological order of things. But that does beg the question: how do you introduce someone to your amazingly small collection of expensive dolls? (Let’s face it, regardless of how large of a doll collection your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife thinks that you have there is always someone that you could probably name that has at least 10 more dolls than you. Bonus points if you can find photos as proof too.)
How I broached the subject of Blythe involved sharing photos that I found on Flickr and the now-defunct Blythe forum, This is Blythe. This was back when MSN was still the instant messenger of choice and when I didn’t unlimited messaging on my phone (am I completely dating myself now?). I’d send photos and go “Isn’t she cute?” and I’d get responses in return of “I guess?”. This later turned to “Isn’t she cute?” with responses of “I think the one with pink hair looked better” or “Those red eyes are creepy” (red = pink). Pro tip: it helps if you’re in a relationship with someone who also collects things and amasses great amounts of items with equally high monetary value. It does not help when you are the only one who ends up having multiple collections/stashes of things (I say this as I look to my right and see my dolls and many tins of tea).
Who would dare find me creepy?
Some people are going to find Blythe creepy. It’s something to do with the disproportionate head. And some people are going to think that Blythe is a waste of money (clearly this type of person is not worth your time and energy!). It does help when everyone involved in a relationship have their own hobbies and interests, or perhaps you can rope them into the dark side and get them their own doll.
If you’re unsure of their reaction, perhaps it’s easier to just slowly ease them into it. Start by sharing photos, then introduce them to one of your dolls (be sure to show them the changing eyes – that totally freaked out someone in my life the first time I shared that feature!). And depending on how well that one doll is received, share the rest of your collection! Or rather, you should share the full extent of your love for Blythe anyways because it’s not a passing hobby and it’s something for them to get used to the presence of!
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of introducing your significant other to your dolls, how did you do it? Share your tips in the comment section below!
Primrose’s wearing: dress/Re-ment.
Like you, I started collecting Blythe after I was already with my husband. To my benefit, he has always collected toys and was even happy that I was starting a toy collection myself! Now we both enjoy collecting scale items and he’s been helping me create a room box for my Blythes (really he’s doing all the work1 I’m just choosing finishes). 🙂
I think I told my bf that I collected old Polly Pockets from 1989 to 1996 some years ago. So for him to see me with dolls isn’t something weird. He does find their big eyes a little creepy. But as long as they don’t stare at him, he doesn’t really care what I collect.
Plus it helps to be a little weird.
I just told a friend that I collect Blythe– rather, how much a Blythe costs. She was supportive but I can never shake that feeling of being crazy for spending so much on a doll. Every time I think about it, I just think about men who collect cars and all the guilt just evaporates!
I started dating my husband already being an avid doll collector. Mostly Barbies back then, but I had three Blythes too. I never hid that from him and I just introduced that as part of my kinda controversial personality (fine arts nerd + beer with chocolate ice-cream + heavy music and oldschool rock + yep, I collect dollz). It was ok. He himself used to spend quite a lot on his hobbies (mainly sports) so he doesn’t mind, as I spend my own money. Btw, he loves Blythes the most. 🙂
My current boyfriend and I bonded the night we went on a real date and I honestly wanted him to come home with me and cuddle. We had a green and cocktail evening, and since I’m a makeup artist in cosmetology school he of course was happy to see my dollyheads for school, but it was Blythe he got REALLY excited about. He’ll have a glass or two of wine and want to play with them when he comes over, and become inspired for making things or ideas on what to make and sell. The big but him…and I’ll have a buzz to myself and tell myself how much I love his pansy ass because he gets me and understands my obsession. For special occasions I’ll get a little something for my little family from him. He’s a keeper!