How you respond with public opinion about your dolls?

[twinage]

I also like to go to toy store just to browse some toys, mostly board game and little toys like Sylvanian families. But now, I like to see some girls plaything to see if I can found some nice item for my BJD. Sometimes I see like cute teacup set that looks perfect in size.
It's true everyone have their own way to relieve from stress and our choice is to buy doll, which is more better than drugs

[MelodyT]

I also like to go to toy store just to browse some toys, mostly board game and little toys like Sylvanian families. But now, I like to see some girls plaything to see if I can found some nice item for my BJD. Sometimes I see like cute teacup set that looks perfect in size.
It's true everyone have their own way to remove stress and our choice is to buy doll, which is more better than drugs

That's for sure!

[Alice_09]

Nice post!

[twinage]

Nice post!

Thanks to all the Sanctuary's member who always answer nicely

[Dollyhair]

It really doesn't matter what people think, but if you're worried that they're going to give you strange glances, then just bring a camera with you, and shoot a few photos of your doll whenever you're feeling scrutinized. People will assume that you brought your doll out for the purpose of photographing her, and they'll probably just assume that it's for some kind of magazine layout... you can even tell them that if it makes you feel better.

[MeltedCaramel]

First...I just have to say that K2!'s responses always crack me up. Nothing like some good ol' sarcasm to relieve the urge to beat someone senseless.

twinage, I'm in your camp, where I feel a little uncomfortable bringing my dolls with me, especially because most of them are anime related so I get the double whammy of "anime dork" and "doll freak" in one snobby glance. Luckily I only collect in the 1/6 range so it's relatively easy to carry a lined bag to 'hide the evidence' as it were. As for the larger dolls...I would wrap them up simply to prevent accidental damage from zippers, etc. If people worry about the weird lump sticking up out of your bag...eh, let them worry! The only people that might need to know what you're carrying are the airport officials, and they're busy doing their job so I doubt they would give you many looks.

And yes, the art/photography/magazine excuse works quite well for those of us that don't want to explain in detail in public what exactly they're for, why you like them, etc. I've found strangers can get a little too interested so I leave it as "I'm working for a magazine layout."

As for touching...NO TOUCHING. Not even the sturdy Obitsus, especially those that have been painstakingly (and expensively) customized. You have the same right to say no as if a kid ran up and grabbed your cellphone. It's YOUR property, pure and simple. There's no distinction between an expensive doll or an expensive necklace. Both belong firmly in YOUR possession, period. It's completely up to you who you do and don't let handle them. Don't be afraid to say no, because saying yes to someone you're unsure of can end up with some disastrous results, especially if the other person doesn't (or stubbornly WON'T) understand the value of what they're holding if something horrible happens and it breaks.

I wish you the best of luck!!! <3

[Alopecia No Hime]

People can really be strange, there was one place where the workers there were totally all for me taking pictures. My local museum, the two ladies working there that day were SO bored, no one was coming to the museum that day cause of rain but I was supposed to be there for a meet up that failed.

And since we were there I asked if I could take some photographs of my doll and they were totally fine with it, said to go further in if I wanted to to the dinosaur exhibit. Felt like I'd be over stepping my boundry though if I went farther then the exhibits in the lobby. For my birthday though my MSD and Yo-SD will be attending outings with me the entire time...This'll be interesting.

Here's one of Avalon during said shoot (I need to re-string and re-wire him, only reason he hasn't been taken on outings in weeks.)