"Sex dolls are not real life companions"

@Brian Kirby , first of all I would like to express that I am sorry you are going true tough times, depression is no joke and anybody who has experience the real deal would know how dark, heavy and hopeless that pit can be, the way it distorts your mind and feelings can be cruel and dangerous.

It is a bummer that for you the doll ownership experience was not or has not been what you expected or did not fulfill your expectations, not only is it possible but it is also absolutely acceptable that you may be in a circumstance were you need something different or something added , like a specific kind of human contact or interaction for example.

before I continue allow me to add that my intention is in no way to dismiss, reject, criticize or negate your opinion, I simply want to share my own opinion on the matter in hopes that it may be helpful in some way, it does not mean that I am right or correct either (obviously), I would also like to add that I have been in many relationships of different kinds both short term and long term and I have been a doll owner for about three years.

I will be generalizing but obviously there are exceptions to the rule, so, to put it bluntly and oversimplify it for most people being in a relationship with another person is disappointing, nobody wants to admit it but that is why there are so many break-ups and divorces, that is why there is tinder, that is why most people once they get into a relationship they find out that the person they are with does not measure up to their idea of a couple or mate, in some way we have been programed to believe that the ultimate goal in life is to find a mate and that we will finally feel complete but once we get there most find out that there is something wrong, it is now how it was pitch to us, the truth is that most subconsciously believe that a relationship is to bring fulfillment but it is not, while it can bring a lot of pieces of the puzzle it is mainly to bring growth, sure happiness can be an outcome or side effect of properly handling of the relationship but it is not the end goal, that is why we get so frustrated we want to extract honey out of the poison ivy, that is not to discourage aiming for a relationship quite the contrary but simply to put things into perspective, the other grass is seldom greener, we always want what we perceive we can't have or shouldn't have.

A doll is a fantasy sure but many human relationships are as fake if not faker than that of a doll, all those pictures on facebook or instagram are over embellish, those love stories on books and movies are as fake as my mansion in Hawaii, many of those stories couples tell about the good life they live are exaggerations, rarely someone will tell you about how the made the wrong decision into marriage or why the felt force to marry because of a pregnancy, or how they had to settle for their spouse because their true love went with someone else, how their wife refuses to have sex any longer, how the husband cheats on her, how she thinks so lowly of him or he does not love her anymore, etc.. it is a situation of extremes because as good as it can be it is also as bad as at times it gets.

Indeed a doll is not a woman, there is a double side to the predicament she will not have a conversation with you or be nagging you all day long, she will not desire you or cheat on you, she will not admire you or disrespect you, she will not care for you or make your life miserable purposefully, she will not think of you or try to manipulate you, she will not love you or simply use you, is it a glass half full or half empty? this is not to belittle, undermined or unappreciated women, we men have our own set of issues and faults of our own but nobody should be put on a pedestal.

As I have stated before I personally view my dolls as tools, aid(s) or toys and I walk the tight rope carefully, I have decided to not even name then (yet) which is why I always refer to them on their MLD name, I decided to put safeguards in my mind to enjoy what it is to me a healthy experience , some checks and balances were set in place, but that is just me, others may opt for a closer relationship or the opposite and that's perfectly fine, everyone's needs and desires are different, and I am flexible enough that tomorrow I can completely chance my "strategy" to fit my needs, maybe you can benefit from trying some different strategies and see if one fits your needs better, play around with your perspective treat it like a game, your mind is programable it just takes practice.

Anyways, if you are truly set on going out to find your woman good for you, just remember if you get disappointed it is normal, don't take it so hard or serious just keep on going with your life, if I may humbly add some advice: invest in yourself, the "love game" is just like business and the law of supply and demand, self confidence is a panty dropper.

Yeah, here’s Skyler, dresses appropriate for what I need her for.

And her is my companion, she’s always there by my side!! And I can actually talk to her and get a reaction, not getting any reaction talking to the dolls. But they’re fun!

still, different strokes for different folks.

This is a great thread! I don't really consider Aredhel to be a replacement for a real woman. My exwife abandoned my one-year old son and myself. She just left my son with my mother, left a note on the coffee table and took off while I was at work. That was 20 years ago. I will never get close enough to anyone else to be hurt like that again. I'll never trust anyone outside of my family again.

Psychological failure? Intense therapy needed? Probably. I just chose to remain a bachelor and single parent (of a now wonderful young man serving in the U.S. Army). My Aredhel brings some needed eyecandy into my bedroom, sexual relief when I need it, and lots of enjoyment just dressing her up and posting pictures.

I do talk to her, but no more and not much different than I talked to my motorcycles. My love for her is the same love I have for any treasured possession. This one just happens to resemble a really hot looking, naked woman! WooHoo!

Do some of us anthropomorphize them and develop relationships? Sure. Whatever floats your boat and makes you happy. No harm done, it's all good to me.

Here is the reason I’m here: my wife passed away, I’m not looking to re-marry, I had one love with in my life, my soulmate and now she is gone. I can’t just start over again. my dolls do fill a void in my life, its an escape from reality. I can dress her how I want, get what I want when I want it and best of all, she won’t want half of what I want when she leaves, my wife and I spent years building a life together, I will be damned if some woman comes and takes it all away in a matter of weeks. Yes I know my dolls are not real, but some of us need an escape from reality.

There are many reasons people choose to be here. Many times a relationship with a woman can be less fulfilling than one with our chosen mates. You have to make the choice yourself and be happy with what you choose.

I never thought of the dolls as a replacement for anything. Just a companion. As much as other personal lifestyles are considered acceptable these days, I would think this path should be less controversial. However, for many reason it is not. Even though it's by far a less damaging one to society than many choose.

If we want to get into a deeper conversation as to the reason many choose this lifestyle we may.

It is not truth, only your opinion.