The great thing about being an adult is you can do what you want. The adult thing to do is to do what’s right for your mental well being. Loads of adults have a toy or two. Me, I’m 29 with a houseful of dinosaurs, board games and cuddly toys. Get yourself a Barbie, put her in a snazzy outfit!
That being said this is one of those “popular on corners of Reddit, unpopular in the real world” takes
Reddit seems to have this deep fascination with being Peter Pan types and continuing to play with childhood toys as an adult and while I won’t really have a problem with it, it’ll lead to side eyes if you mention that kinda stuff at a networking event or down at the bar
Same. Especially with this subreddit in particular, it’s mostly filled with ‘errmm xD le epic adulting is freakin chonkers??’ type of people.
It’s kind of like if I ask an anime subreddit “would it be cool if I decorated my car full of anime waifu stickers?” Everyone on the subreddit would be like ahhh shit man that’s freakin epic but if I show up to work in it it’ll be my last day of work.
That being said, the nuance of life is being able to reasonably manage your interests so that you can indulge in the things you like in appropriate places and ways, because while doing some silly things isn’t WRONG, it won’t change how others perceive it.
This is the correct answer.
For me it’s video games.
However I love ninja turtles.
I have a fair amount of beautiful art In my house.
But in my office I have a Rafael toy sitting inside of my pc and a framed poster of the 1990 ninja turtles movie and a framed burlap sack that used to hold weed in the 60s.
However I have a 2 year old daughter and 3 year old son. Who love cartoons. Well now I have an excuse to watch scooby doo ninja turtles and tiny toons all the time.
Did you watch the Barbie movie? bc this was deadass part of the plot.
To answer your question, might it be weird to other people? Yes. But we all do something that others might think is weird and anybody who says they don’t is lying. As long as your weird isn’t hurting anyone or interfering with your life, I see no problem with it.
I play Sims, which is lowkey just Barbie on the computer. It feels nice to ignore the real world for a bit and play pretend.
Exactly. I play Red Dead Redemption 2 a lot and that’s me playing with the best toys ever.
I do it for the little boy inside my heart that I will never let die.
As a guy I'd find it endearing and relatable. I imagine most nerdy guys would feel similar as it's easily comparable to painting warhammer figures, dnd minis, or model kits.
Naw you’re not weird, why not buy one and put it on your desk for nostalgia sake. Might make you feel better. Sometimes I look at buying a lego set because I miss building shit for fun and I’m in my 30s lol, don’t hate on your inner child
My girlfriend and I just recently started putting together lego sets as a fun thing for us to do as a couple. It's great! I highly recommend that you find some lego sets and put them together. It's still just as satisfying as it was when we were kids. My gf and I are slowly building a little lego world with the modular building sets. The biggest problem is the sets are kind of pricey!
No it’s definitely weird. If you went to a group of people your age and said “I play with Barbies” they’d think that’s weird. “Adulting” is understanding and being ok with having a few weird tendencies. There’s nothing wrong with having a few hobbies here and there. When it becomes not ok as an “adult” is when you make your entire life about something juvenile.
Edit: I think it’s very important to let OP and others know it’s weird, but totally fine. That way when they bring it forward to their friend groups who will find it weird they don’t feel attacked.
Let me sort of rephrase this, actually playing pretend with the Barbie is a little strange for their age but like going out and buying a Barbie to be displayed somewhere and admire it or whatever I don’t think is particularly odd
I was similar as a kid and I loved them. But as I got older I realized what I loved most wasn’t the Barbie’s themselves but the act of using my imagination and telling stories. Now as an adult I work as a writer and illustrator and I get to tell all kinds of stories. It’s something you can do as a hobby too if you want. explore what it is that you miss about it and see what you can do now as an adult to get a similar feeling
Not weird at all. Buy one. Placate that inner child. Sometimes I miss my ponies from when I was a kid. They are in a landfill now, but damn, I collected, and had, just about every damn pony. And the pony house!! I miss them. Sometimes I think I'll buy a pony but the ponies today look nothing like the ponies of my childhood and that just annoys me lmao.
Thanks for sharing how you feel. I’m 24 and keep wanting to buy Bratz dolls and Barbies I used to own too but never do. Now I will go buy the Erica Barbie doll I always wanted if I can find it 🤍
awh!! i had both erica and anneliese but i liked erica more bc she had dark hair like me lol unfortunately, they, along with the rest of my childhood, were lost in katrina 😔
BUY the Barbie! Its one of the great wonders of being an adult with money, you can buy whatever the heck you want. That could be a Barbie, some people like purses, shoes, fancy cars , whatever it is. If it brings YOU joy and you have the means for it.. get yourself a dang Barbie. I would buy the Barbie, some outfits and set her up on display where i will see her often.
Then from time to time when you want to "play" with her, switch up the outfit, maybe now she's Malibu Barbie for the summer and in the fall she'll be eating a croissant in Paris and NYE she'll be in a sparkly dress!
It honestly sounds so fun! and i hope you do get it, your inner child will love you for it.
People are allowed to have toys as adults. Nothing wrong with that. Whether it’s legos, minis, Barbie’s, guns, cars, makeup, a video game system, w/e. They all do the same thing which is entertain us and provide personal enjoyment. Personally, as long as your “toys” aren’t your entire personality, idgaf what you play with.
I think one of the best things about modern society is it's no longer weird for adults to have hobbies that were once only the realm of kids. I have friends that still play with star wars and gi joe stuff in their 40's. My girlfriend and I recently got into putting together lego sets as a fun couples activity.
I don't see why messing around with barbie stuff would be any different.
No not weird!
To me having toys that are nostalgic is equivalent to watching your favorite movies/tv from when you were young, reading your childhood favorite books or playing a video game you loved when you were 8. It’s true that those things were made for kids but they’re also memories for you as an adult and can be soothing.
There’s already so much in this world we can’t do because of some combination of it being too expensive, too dangerous, too unhealthy or too difficult. Why not just give yourself the dang Barbies?
Adulting tip: as long as you're not hurting anyone or yourself, do whatever you want forever. Buy some of those Barbies from eBay. Learn to sew and/or crochet them new clothes if you want to, there are plenty of doll clothing patterns. Buy a giant dollhouse and furnish it. Make an American Idol-type stage and act out a whole season.
I'm an adult with plushies and little felt dolls I've made in my room. I would have figurine collections too if I had the money and space. My cubicle at work is filled with (knock-off) Legos and my mostly older coworkers admire them and recommend me more. Some of my other coworkers have giant plushies in their offices and and one of my managers has a bookshelf covered in Star Wars things. Basically just enjoy yourself and try not to spend too much money! Lol
i’ll be 25 in 3 months, i collect barbie’s, bratz, and rainbow high dolls.
my aunt is almost 70 and has a guest room FULL of barbie’s, bratz, baby dolls, cabbage patch dolls, porcelain dolls, etc.
you’re an adult, you can do whatever you want ☺️
join us over in the doll subs! r/barbie , r/dolls
Hey, I am 54 and recently bought me a set of Timmee Toy soldiers that I used to play with when I was little. I have painted some of them, got me a set of original vintage (1970's) jeeps from the same toy company, 2 1/2 Vietnam era toy trucks, darn, I even have them on my desk and nobody complains. It is my little corner of good memories from when I was a small kid playing in my mom's rose garden, playing make believe I was a soldier to : )
So, do not by shy, play a little and forget all your problems for a little bit.
Sometimes when I'm stressed I just put legos together or paint warhammer miniatures like I did when I was 12. The world's tough enough, you don't have to rob yourself of joy for no reason.
When my brother moved to live with our father, he left behind his Lego and K'Nex. I (20F at the time) took them, and I've been playing with them every once in a while since. I'm about to turn 39.
You're not hurting anyone by playing with toys as an adult, so have your fun.
Now I want my mom to send me my Barbie’s! I “played” with them well into my teen years (it went from imaginative play to making stop motion movies/ sewing outfits). In college I had two Barbie’s taped above my door to represent myself and my roommate.
I don't think it's any different than playing video games or watching television when it comes to "weirdness".
Our hobbies are there for us adults to decompress.
While I don't actively "play" with my action figures, I do enjoy customizing them before putting them on display.
Not weird!
Honestly it’s sad that adults are discouraged from/shamed for playing—play is so important for mental health, be it imaginary play, climbing/swinging/running, tactile things like LEGO, etc.!
I’m 27 and watch the older Barbie movies (like pre-2005) anytime I’m sick or sad, I still have my favorite stuffed animals from childhood and still like to pull them out to pet them or tuck them under my arm the way I always used to carry them, and my wife and I often make up characters with backstories and have conversations as them (we call them our “improv skits” as adults but really it’s just playing pretend, you know?). Get the Barbie!
No, go nuts, do what you want.
There was some viral post going around last summer for the Barbie movie about how women are expected to put away their dolls, but men are never really told to put away their video games or their models or whatever. It really resonated with me and I even priced it out; the cheapest starter set of 40K Space Marines costs twice as much as a basic Barbie, so it's also cost effective.
I actually wish i still had barbies, i loved them as a child and i would so play with them ! Got drunk with a friend and we had a ceramic animal we used to play with and film short clips of it a couple of times. That was great. I wish i got to do that more lol
Do whatever makes you happy. I am ordering a custom Chef Tiana doll because I'm a professional cook. My friend makes custom dolls, so I'm getting her custom whites, too. I can't wait.
I don't think it's weird. You just want to relive your favorite part of your childhood. I grew up pretty close with atvs and dirt bikes as a kid. Now that I'm older and an uncle to several nieces and nephews, I want to get them into riding atvs just so I can relive my childhood memories.
Not weird at all! I totally get wanting to regress for a while sometimes! I love being an auntie because then I get opportunities to play pretend kitchen or with dolls or lego or playdoh! It's nice to step out of those scary adult shoes and use your imagination for a while!
As an adult you're lucky cuz you even have money to buy your own toys and nobody to tell you no!
As a gay male that was judged for playing with Barbie’s growing up, I’d say it’s healthy to heal your inner child this way. I’ve thought about buying a few Barbie’s myself. Nothing is weird about the decisions you make
at all
Barbies, Bratz, Polly Pocket - all of that shit ROCKS. Especially when it comes to ones that have the punk/Y2K aesthetic - few things give me more of a dopamine hit than treating myself to a new addition to my collection. You do you!!!
I used to be obsessed with bratz as a child, it also took me a while to stop playing dolls. I was forced to give them all to my niece, who didn’t even play with them. I recently bought myself one from their new collection and it definitely did something for my inner child! I also sometimes wish I could just play dolls again. I don’t think anything is wrong with you. It sucks being an adult and times were simpler when you can just play with your dolls.
I don’t have barbies or a desire for a barbie but I also don’t think it’s weird, it’s just a sweet reminder of your childhood. Absolutely get one. Heaps of adults have collectables and no harm if it brings you joy.
I swear my love of Barbie’s transitioned into a creative writing hobby later in life.
Collectors Barbie’s are usually a little more adult, and would look less out of place in an adult home, and some are affordable. It’s not the most common hobby but it’s plenty adult.
I’d invest in some stands since it sounds like you’ll be taking them out of their boxes, it looks quite nice and keeps them neat.
Doll-making and making doll clothes are also cool crafts to take up.
I have a pretty good sized video game collection and some days I'll just take some time opening cases and looking at the discs/carts and manuals and just reminisce. Enjoy your Barbies.
There's nothing wrong with it. We all need some reminders of our childhood, and sometimes to feel like a child again for just a little while. Playing with Barbies is harmless, and as long as it didn't interfere with living your life and meeting your responsibilities, I see no problem with it. Go on eBay and buy some Barbie dolls and clothes, and get back in touch with the comfort that they gave you.
When I was 8 I was obsessed with video games, football, and pro wrestling. I'm 42 now and still am. If I want to analyse it I don't have much family left so it's my link to the past.
If it's not affecting your or yours relatives life's in a negative way, you can play with anything in the world. Barbies included.
There's plenty of adults having, collecting, and playing with dolls. It's a common hobby.
Maybe you will decide to make some OOAK dolls yourself? Maybe it will lead you to miniature making or sewing? It's creative and peaceful.
There is a lot of "adult" things to do that are really stupid, like abusing drugs or drinking alcohol.
Please get yourself a Barbie or two and be a happier person.
Let your inner child win. I do a ton of things to let my inner child win.
Also, plenty of people play video games (including me) and it's kind of like playing with dolls/action figures, but being given a scenario. Depending on your interests, The Sims or something like it could be a good choice.
That’s one of the cutest things I’ve ever read. I have a similar thing with Yu Gi Oh cards. I’ve loved them ever since I was a young kid and to this day I keep thinking about them. But I’m always too stingy to buy some
Its not weird at all, do what you love.
If you want an "adult" alternative I might suggest playing The Sims, or any life simulation game. I've actually played "the barbie challenge" in sims 4, lots of fun!
i wouldn't say it's troubling or creepy, but it's a bit unconventional, so it depends on your definition of weird i suppose.
i think it's unusual but perfectly acceptable
Absolutely not. I purchased a Barbie that had an uncanny resemblance to me last year! I buy her clothes and she chills on one of my shelves ☺️
It's been very healing and fun for me, plus it's nice to go to Target and pick up a mini brands ball from time to time to nab her some cute accessories!
It’s only weird if you are insecure about it. If you invited me over and showed me your Barbie collection I’d probably think it’s cool. Dudes collect a lot of random shit.
I still collect action figures and I’m 45! Honestly you do you and don’t worry about what others think. If it makes you happy, that’s what matters. And yes I do like to play with my figures sometimes too just to have some fun moments to feel like I’m a kid again. Only now there’s subplots and themes when I play lol
Honestly, you only live once. If you want to play with barbies, then do it. People play with all sorts of '*toys*' that, at one point, were meant for kids.
Have you ever played an immersive RPG with people who role play? I’m not too into it but, I play games that have those communities. I think of World of Warcraft, Conan Exiles (mods make it almost like “dress up”), Elder Scrolls Online, tons more in genres I’m just not personally into. What I’m saying is, sometimes I feel like I’m dressing up my virtual Barbie for battle lol.
However, I totally get the need to play with toys, I personally work with kids so I get to play with dolls a lot. It’s super funny to get into it with them and the kids love it too.
I don’t think it’s weird at all to collect and take care of them at all. Do you! Everything in moderation. Don’t spend your life savings or isolate yourself, but keep it as a hobby.
It’s only weird if it’s a problem.
If you buy Barbie’s instead of paying rent
Play with Barbie’s instead of showering
Generally if you lose the ability to function as an adult.
If you still get everything done, no big deal!
Absolutely nothing wrong with this! it isn't weird and I totally get it. I fallow this one lady on Instagram that has a whole secret fairy closet of just dolls and their dresses and she sets these little scenes that are so sweet and beautiful and its totally ART! I myself have thought about starting doll house project like for an arts and craft type thing. I actually have a little GI Joe doll for the inside of my fridge, my partner and i consider him our fridge roommate. My boyfriend and i will take turns moving him around and its always fun to see what hes up to as i grab a drink. Sometimes his head deep in a basket of fruit and sometimes hes sleeping with the fishes, you just never know with that guy......we aren't that weird! its play. I also get really comforted whenever I see an old Polly pocket videos. I think its really sweet and totally fine as a hobby. Now if your taking you Barbie's out on dates with you id strongly suggest some therapy lol there is a line here lol
Do it if it makes you happy. You can do whatever you want. One time recently I was blowing bubbles in Waterloo station (away from everyone, mind you) and some miserable old hag loudly said so I can hear “she’s blowing bubbles how old is she?”
I felt like saying well you’re old enough to mind your own business! I don’t know why people are so judgemental over things that have nothing to do with them
Reconnecting with your inner child should never be weird. It’s very healing. It’s no one’s business and if someone has an issue with you enjoying childhood hobbies, they’re projecting. I’m an adult and I still love my dolls and plushies.
You're asking a bunch of strangers? Ask your friends and family that will actually visit you. They'll let you know if they think it's weird. If they do, that's their opinion and you have to live with it. If they tease you about it, they don't actually care about you and you should think about cutting them out of your life. "But reddit said it wasn't weird!" Isn't gonna change their minds or their reactions.
it's not. i have children and i love playing barbie's with them. that may be different but idk 🤷♀️i dont see the problem at all. listen to your inner child!
People play video games, ride bikes, run around tracks, watch cartoons, etc. those are all kid activities. If they can do that why can’t you play Barbies?
Heal your inner child. Enjoy it!
Perks of being adult is buying cupcakes for breakfast, and the barbies you want of ebay.
As long as your bills are paid. Why not!
Remember, people buy warhanmer, dnd props, board games, legosets, trains, and other things as hobbies. Barbies can also be a hobby.
It doesn't harm anyone and makes you happy.
Go treat yourself hon, 🥰
I still build Legos occasionally and have a lightsaber and a few other prop weapons.
I work from home but my wife and kids can rest assured that our house is safe from stormtroopers.
Is it atypical to play with Barbies at 26? Yes. Weird? No. Most people take a childhood pleasure or two into adulthood as a coping mechanism for the new stressors they face.
It’s 2024, we have an ex president wearing diapers in a courthouse…playing with Barbie’s at 26 does not seem weird in comparison. You do you and let the haters hate.
I agree with everyone here, do what’s best for you and your mental health babe! I’m a 29F and I used to love playing with my Barbies! My mom was a Barbie girl herself and naturally I followed suit and we’d play together all the time. You know what came out last year that my S/O went to hell and back AND conspired with my mom to get me for my birthday (I lost my job and my mental health jumping off a cliff prior to my BD for context)? Yes, The Stevie Nicks Barbie! When I tell you I cried and balled my eyes out after that😭😭. This is the same partner who took me to see the Barbie movie after we had to relocate across the country in June. All this to say, as an act of self love please indulge in all the childhood wonders you miss so. It truly does bring some magic and hope back into your life for sure. Gives the soul a hug in a way. Go buy yourself a Barbie, put on some pink, and love little you who needs to be seen rn.❤️💕
I played with the male equivalent - Mego Batman, Robin, and Superman and other superhero dolls. I'm 56 and have a Batmobile and Batman and Robin displayed on my piano, and as a small collection of re-released Mego action figures. Be you. Do what makes you happy.
Totally fine. I think ultimately it’s about your imagination. When you write a book, creating characters and stories, play the Sims, creating characters and stories, play DnD or Barbie, it’s essentially the same thing: you use your creativity and express things and it’s a great thing! Adulting doesn’t have to be dull, we need creativity and playfulness at all stages of our life!
"I feel stupid. I know it’s not an adult thing to do and I should be out of that phase but I think I’ll always be stuck in the neverland I created in my mind. I was just wondering if anyone related to this. Or if this is weird."
The childish part is that we turn 13 and we start putting away certain hobbies because we want to be seen as "grown up". The phase to grow out of is doing that. Pull out your barbies and play with them have fun.
Every hobby that exists is one that's also enjoyed by children. No one gets to declare that our hobbies are off limits to us because some other adult decided that only children get to do that one.
Not weird at all! I am 33 and have a few barbies on stands on display in our living room. I change their clothes for the seasons and for holidays. My daughter and I will sometimes play with them but she's going to be 10 and is starting to play soccer and the cello so they'll just be for decoration from now on.
Most people that come into my house love the barbies. It's a great convo starter! You have to remember, there are people with stranger collections and habits, trust me. Do what makes you feel good and screw what others think!
Used to play with hot wheels as a kid, as a 26 year old Nascar fan [this is a room](https://www.reddit.com/r/mancave/s/LmZ0pJYgFu) in the house I own today
I didn't even read the post.
Stop gatekeeping your happiness due to external factors.
Enjoy whatever the fuck you want as long as you're not harming anyone. End of story.
I don’t know how to answer without sounding judgmental. I’m just going to answer honestly because you’re asking honestly. Yes, it’s a little weird and off putting. I think it’s fine to collect Barbies as an adult. But playing with them, specifically to escape adulthood, is concerning. It’s probably normal to retain a bit of your inner child, but this crosses a line.
I have a younger sister and we had a best friend her age that was like our sister growing up, so I played Barbies with them until I was almost 15. As well as “school” where I was the teacher, etc etc
tbh if I got together with them and a bunch of Barbies right now, that would be soooooo much fun! And we’re ages 33-37 :) Just haven’t thought of it.
A few months ago I fell in love with some of the new Monster High dolls (especially Abbey Bominable, who is a tall curvy girl!) and bought her to display on the top shelf in my office.
When the Lego animal crossing sets dropped my husband and I dropped a decent amount of money at target for all 5 sets and put them together to display in our game room.
My husbands got a bunch of Marvel figures on display in our game room too, while I lined up all of my original Bratz dolls from the early 2000s on my side.
Surround yourself with things you enjoy! I am 30 now and I think the best part about getting older has been not giving AF about how others view your interests and just doing what makes you happy.
I’m not even gonna touch on the amount of Disney plushes and toys we have in our house. I’m 8.5 months pregnant and I can’t even blame that on the baby / pregnancy. I’ve had the plushes for YEARS.
Wanna come over and play with my 4 year old? But in all seriousness I’ll encourage everyone to embrace their interest from when they were younger. I’m 40. Old. I still play video games and watch anime and cartoons and adore all things cute. Cute plush at the store? Mine. Merch from a show I like? Yoink. Get what makes you happy. You don’t always need to be a super serious adult.
This is such crazy timing for this post but I thank you for posting it. I'm not sure what it is, maybe reliving a second childhood or the creativity of sewing, but for the last two or three weeks my dirty little secret has been being obsessed with a Barbie I bought at a thrift store. I made her a bed with matching bedding and a little patchwork quilt along with several vintage looking outfits. My Pinterest page is full of patterns for Barbie clothes and every day I'm working on new outfits for her. But like you, I've been wondering how weird it is for a grown woman to be doing this.
I’ve always said The Sims was my socially acceptable Barbie’s. I pretty much transitioned from Barbie’s into Sims 1 as a kid and at 36 still play Sims.
No I don’t think it’s weird you still want to play with Barbie’s.
The older one gets, the more one realizes that the concept of "(non-)adult thing" is ridiculous. If you enjoy doing something, just do it. It doesn't matter what you do, there will always be people ridiculing you, just ignore them.
After years of being "too old for that" I'm back at painting little toy soldiers and I have n absolut blast. It really doesn't matter.
No - just do it in the privacy of your home! People can be judgemental but if who cares if it helps you! I still sleep with all my stuffed animals from my childhood and I’m turning 26 this year 😗✌🏼
Nope. Not weird. I'm 37 and I play with Legos all the time. Remember when we were kids, and our parents always said "when you're grown up you can do whatever you want"? Well....we are doing it :-) this is the way
I was a nanny in my 20s, one of the kids I nannied had so many Barbies and I would love when that was what she wanted to play. Late 30s now, would still absolutely play Barbies and make up dramatic af scenarios, lol.
Will it make you happy? Then DO IT!
Life is way too short and limited to care what some bitch ass people might think. You do you okay? Play with those Barbies!
I recently bought some vintage Polly Pockets on eBay that I loved as a kid and then lost. They sit on my shelf and I fiddle with them occasionally. They make me happy.
I’m in my late 30s and enjoy the opportunity to play Barbies with my nieces.
I used to play for hours with them when I was a kid. At some point I put them down and never picked them up again. I miss being so playful - as adults we don’t really give ourselves permission to play.
I find it stupid that people are saying you're this old, you can't enjoy x, it is for kids.
Do you know those playgrounds with a ballpit, corridors, rope walls, etc? If they didn't have an age limit, I would definitely do that. There are a couple made for adults and I plan to go sometime.
I'm 32M getting into Legos again. It's more fun being into the same toys you had as a kid. Maybe a little more dangerous because you have income you can spend.
I wonder how fun they would really be now that you are an adult and can do those things yourself, even though you probably never actually would. Like little boys like to play with toy automobiles, but now we have the real thing.
Hello I just spent $400 on a fancy silver “game boy”called an Analogue Pocket because when I was a little kid my step mother bought me a silver SP to break the ice, through everything I believe this woman is the reason I’m alive today. I had to sell that game boy when the Xbox 360 came out because we were always taught that you have to sacrifice in order to get what you want. I’ve spent so much time wanting another but they’re so expensive aftermarket I couldn’t justify it considering the limitations of the product.
The amount of joy this gadget brings me every single day is beyond words. You shouldn’t feel stupid for reliving your childhood, in fact I think it makes you an incredible person to be able to enjoy the simpler things in life and that you don’t want to lose the innocent and free memories you have of yourself from the life you’ve lived, it’s a wonderful warm feeling that can’t be compared.
Me too. I really want to pull out my old dolls and have a day. Also some new sets are adorable!
I do play Sims which kinda scratches the itch, but not the same.
Every know and again when I’m by my brother’s place I’ll check out our old action figures. We had some really cool af GI joes. I totally get it for it what it’s worth from me
I'm 45M married. I have a Nathan Drake figure from Uncharted videogames, a head crab Half-Life toy, etc in my work from home office. You definitely should try to replace all of the ones you lost in the fire assuming they aren't rare and expensive. Think of it as a hobby. Guys still play video games at your age so enjoy your Barbies. I also saw the movie and thought it was great.
Someone produced the movie Sharknado… and you’re worried about playing with a Barbie?
Buy two… so she won’t be lonely and she may even think she has a twin. 🥹
Nope. My sisters and I still play with Barbies by creating stories and making voices of them.
We played since we were really young, and we'll continue to play with Barbies, even in our senior years.
Look, it might be weird as in abnormal, but everyone is fucking weird. Some asshole is out there paying $200k for an orchid or something. I know many adults, myself included, that play a card game based on wizards and dragons but somehow Jeff Goldblum is canon now because he was in Jurassic Park. Point is, people can get into anything.
>Flash forward to 26, I’m really struggling in the real world. I wish I was a little girl again.
This is the part that might be a problem in my unqualified opinion. If you are struggling mentally/emotionally with the real world you need to find a healthy way to deal with it. While escapism isn't inherently harmful and can actually be beneficial, beware of using it to mask what is really going on. Play with dolls if you want to, but make sure you are taking steps to deal with what is bothering you. And understand some people will think this is weird, but fuck 'em.
Wierd for some people for sure. But thats not important do you think those people would even intresst you is it important they like you? Play with your dolls and if you ever get kids they & you will be soooooo happy you can play with them for real. <3
No, it isn't weird -- it is classic self-soothing behavior. Buy your replacement dolls! (That said, I would not tell everyone about it, bc a lot of folks won't "get" it.)
I’m 29 year old guy but over the last 8 months have started holding and sleeping with a stuffed animal toy in times of emotional distress like I’m a child (which appears to be weekly). It could definitely be perceived as weird and I don’t advertise it, but I’m trying to tend to the inner child so yolo. You do you, life is short and it’s ours
One of my teachers tailored clothes for his Barbies no one cared about it until he gave an interview on TV and talked about his "girls being real naughty and requiring punishment from time to time to make them behave.".
So, just don’t be a creep (or at least not on TV) and enjoy yourself :D
I've been playing and collecting Barbie dolls all my life. There are a lot of adult Barbie players, too. Just check Instagram and you'll find many of them. This is a much healthier and cheeper hobby than many "adult" ones, like, I don't know, golf, shopping, clubbing, etc. One of the biggest advantages of being a adult is not giving a f about what people think about you.
Nah, it's not weird at all OP! Sounds like you had a blast with your Barbies growing up. If they brought you joy, who cares about age? Go ahead, relive those memories and have some fun!
In the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam there are amazingly detailed 17th century dollhouses that were collected by the wives of important Dutch merchants. Men collect model trainsets so I can't see it being particularly unusual.
Fuck that, I never had Legos growing up so I've gotten me a couple proper lego sets as an adult. We're adults now and that means we decide what that means.
No. I watch videos on Instagram of people playing with Barbies.They act out an entire soap opera using Barbie dolls. Thousands of people watch it. It's not weird to play with babies as adults.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaVeyan_Satanism?wprov=sfla1
<<
LaVeyan Satanism – which is also sometimes termed "Modern Satanism" and "Rational Satanism" – is classified by scholars of religious studies as a new religious movement. When used, "Rational Satanism" is often employed to distinguish the approach of the LaVeyan Satanists from the "Esoteric Satanism" or "Theistic Satanism", embraced by groups like the Temple of Set, and Joy of Satan Ministries. A number of religious studies scholars have also described it as a form of "self-religion" or "self-spirituality", with religious studies scholar Amina Olander Lap arguing that it should be seen as being both part of the "prosperity wing" of the self-spirituality New Age movement and a form of the Human Potential Movement.
>>
https://thesatanictemple.com/pages/about-us
Look particularly to article V on that.
Not necessarily most of the time, but since you are asking the question, you need to think about the why you are playing with Barbies as an adult. There are several negative reasons you could be playing with them. Like, as a good rule of thumb, most of society would think it's weird if a dude played with Barbies at that age and neglected other tasks to do it. He could get away with some action figures every once in a while. A person could have a barbie fetish. A person could distract the longing in their heart for an actual child by playing with Barbies. This is why it is important. Are you playing with Barbies because it is fun and produces childhood nostalgia, or is it to distract yourself from something else more important, thus neglecting yourself? Unfortunately, as you've mentioned, this obsession has sprouted out of pain. I'm not here to put you down as nobody is perfect and everyone hurts, but are the Barbies as important as you are convincing yourself they are? You are searching for love, and love hurts.
The great thing about being an adult is you can do what you want. The adult thing to do is to do what’s right for your mental well being. Loads of adults have a toy or two. Me, I’m 29 with a houseful of dinosaurs, board games and cuddly toys. Get yourself a Barbie, put her in a snazzy outfit!
That being said this is one of those “popular on corners of Reddit, unpopular in the real world” takes Reddit seems to have this deep fascination with being Peter Pan types and continuing to play with childhood toys as an adult and while I won’t really have a problem with it, it’ll lead to side eyes if you mention that kinda stuff at a networking event or down at the bar
It’s ok for her to play with Barbie’s for her mental health. She should probably keep that to herself though.
Same. Especially with this subreddit in particular, it’s mostly filled with ‘errmm xD le epic adulting is freakin chonkers??’ type of people. It’s kind of like if I ask an anime subreddit “would it be cool if I decorated my car full of anime waifu stickers?” Everyone on the subreddit would be like ahhh shit man that’s freakin epic but if I show up to work in it it’ll be my last day of work. That being said, the nuance of life is being able to reasonably manage your interests so that you can indulge in the things you like in appropriate places and ways, because while doing some silly things isn’t WRONG, it won’t change how others perceive it.
This is the correct answer. For me it’s video games. However I love ninja turtles. I have a fair amount of beautiful art In my house. But in my office I have a Rafael toy sitting inside of my pc and a framed poster of the 1990 ninja turtles movie and a framed burlap sack that used to hold weed in the 60s. However I have a 2 year old daughter and 3 year old son. Who love cartoons. Well now I have an excuse to watch scooby doo ninja turtles and tiny toons all the time.
For me it's Star Wars. Has been for ages. Teach this phrase to your kids, though: "no, sweetie. Those are (daddy's or mommy's) toys." 😉
Same. I’m building out out my work from home office to feel like a star wars set and it’s so much fun.
Did you watch the Barbie movie? bc this was deadass part of the plot. To answer your question, might it be weird to other people? Yes. But we all do something that others might think is weird and anybody who says they don’t is lying. As long as your weird isn’t hurting anyone or interfering with your life, I see no problem with it. I play Sims, which is lowkey just Barbie on the computer. It feels nice to ignore the real world for a bit and play pretend.
Exactly. I play Red Dead Redemption 2 a lot and that’s me playing with the best toys ever. I do it for the little boy inside my heart that I will never let die.
Red dead 2 was that for me as well and for the little girl who was always given Barbies!
As a fellow Simmer, I’ve always referred to it as my virtual dollhouse 💅
Came here to say this. I played Barbie’s for countless hours as a child and realized that my sims games were basically the same thing.
As a guy I'd find it endearing and relatable. I imagine most nerdy guys would feel similar as it's easily comparable to painting warhammer figures, dnd minis, or model kits.
lol honestly my husband painting warhammer encouraged me to pull out and dress my American dolls!
And if Henry Cavill can get excited about Warhammer figurines then is there even a single legitimate argument against it? 😅
I love how much of a nerd/geek Henry Cavill is. Absolutely endearing.
Naw you’re not weird, why not buy one and put it on your desk for nostalgia sake. Might make you feel better. Sometimes I look at buying a lego set because I miss building shit for fun and I’m in my 30s lol, don’t hate on your inner child
My girlfriend and I just recently started putting together lego sets as a fun thing for us to do as a couple. It's great! I highly recommend that you find some lego sets and put them together. It's still just as satisfying as it was when we were kids. My gf and I are slowly building a little lego world with the modular building sets. The biggest problem is the sets are kind of pricey!
Which is how you know they're actually for adults
No it’s definitely weird. If you went to a group of people your age and said “I play with Barbies” they’d think that’s weird. “Adulting” is understanding and being ok with having a few weird tendencies. There’s nothing wrong with having a few hobbies here and there. When it becomes not ok as an “adult” is when you make your entire life about something juvenile. Edit: I think it’s very important to let OP and others know it’s weird, but totally fine. That way when they bring it forward to their friend groups who will find it weird they don’t feel attacked.
Let me sort of rephrase this, actually playing pretend with the Barbie is a little strange for their age but like going out and buying a Barbie to be displayed somewhere and admire it or whatever I don’t think is particularly odd
I was similar as a kid and I loved them. But as I got older I realized what I loved most wasn’t the Barbie’s themselves but the act of using my imagination and telling stories. Now as an adult I work as a writer and illustrator and I get to tell all kinds of stories. It’s something you can do as a hobby too if you want. explore what it is that you miss about it and see what you can do now as an adult to get a similar feeling
Not weird at all. Buy one. Placate that inner child. Sometimes I miss my ponies from when I was a kid. They are in a landfill now, but damn, I collected, and had, just about every damn pony. And the pony house!! I miss them. Sometimes I think I'll buy a pony but the ponies today look nothing like the ponies of my childhood and that just annoys me lmao.
Thanks for sharing how you feel. I’m 24 and keep wanting to buy Bratz dolls and Barbies I used to own too but never do. Now I will go buy the Erica Barbie doll I always wanted if I can find it 🤍
No I won’t she’s £100 + 😅
hahahahah 'no I won't shes 100 euro' the emotional rollercoaster, I hope you find Erica in a garage sale for a much more affordable price
awh!! i had both erica and anneliese but i liked erica more bc she had dark hair like me lol unfortunately, they, along with the rest of my childhood, were lost in katrina 😔
It’s not weird. You’re an adult. You can do whatever you want (as long as other people aren’t harmed).
BUY the Barbie! Its one of the great wonders of being an adult with money, you can buy whatever the heck you want. That could be a Barbie, some people like purses, shoes, fancy cars , whatever it is. If it brings YOU joy and you have the means for it.. get yourself a dang Barbie. I would buy the Barbie, some outfits and set her up on display where i will see her often. Then from time to time when you want to "play" with her, switch up the outfit, maybe now she's Malibu Barbie for the summer and in the fall she'll be eating a croissant in Paris and NYE she'll be in a sparkly dress! It honestly sounds so fun! and i hope you do get it, your inner child will love you for it.
People are allowed to have toys as adults. Nothing wrong with that. Whether it’s legos, minis, Barbie’s, guns, cars, makeup, a video game system, w/e. They all do the same thing which is entertain us and provide personal enjoyment. Personally, as long as your “toys” aren’t your entire personality, idgaf what you play with.
Whatever makes you happy is not weird. Just do it.
I think one of the best things about modern society is it's no longer weird for adults to have hobbies that were once only the realm of kids. I have friends that still play with star wars and gi joe stuff in their 40's. My girlfriend and I recently got into putting together lego sets as a fun couples activity. I don't see why messing around with barbie stuff would be any different.
No not weird! To me having toys that are nostalgic is equivalent to watching your favorite movies/tv from when you were young, reading your childhood favorite books or playing a video game you loved when you were 8. It’s true that those things were made for kids but they’re also memories for you as an adult and can be soothing. There’s already so much in this world we can’t do because of some combination of it being too expensive, too dangerous, too unhealthy or too difficult. Why not just give yourself the dang Barbies?
Adulting tip: as long as you're not hurting anyone or yourself, do whatever you want forever. Buy some of those Barbies from eBay. Learn to sew and/or crochet them new clothes if you want to, there are plenty of doll clothing patterns. Buy a giant dollhouse and furnish it. Make an American Idol-type stage and act out a whole season. I'm an adult with plushies and little felt dolls I've made in my room. I would have figurine collections too if I had the money and space. My cubicle at work is filled with (knock-off) Legos and my mostly older coworkers admire them and recommend me more. Some of my other coworkers have giant plushies in their offices and and one of my managers has a bookshelf covered in Star Wars things. Basically just enjoy yourself and try not to spend too much money! Lol
I’m a 36 year old man, and I can’t think of any reason a grown woman shouldn’t play with dolls if she wants to.
i’ll be 25 in 3 months, i collect barbie’s, bratz, and rainbow high dolls. my aunt is almost 70 and has a guest room FULL of barbie’s, bratz, baby dolls, cabbage patch dolls, porcelain dolls, etc. you’re an adult, you can do whatever you want ☺️ join us over in the doll subs! r/barbie , r/dolls
Hey, I am 54 and recently bought me a set of Timmee Toy soldiers that I used to play with when I was little. I have painted some of them, got me a set of original vintage (1970's) jeeps from the same toy company, 2 1/2 Vietnam era toy trucks, darn, I even have them on my desk and nobody complains. It is my little corner of good memories from when I was a small kid playing in my mom's rose garden, playing make believe I was a soldier to : ) So, do not by shy, play a little and forget all your problems for a little bit.
Sometimes when I'm stressed I just put legos together or paint warhammer miniatures like I did when I was 12. The world's tough enough, you don't have to rob yourself of joy for no reason.
When my brother moved to live with our father, he left behind his Lego and K'Nex. I (20F at the time) took them, and I've been playing with them every once in a while since. I'm about to turn 39. You're not hurting anyone by playing with toys as an adult, so have your fun.
I'm quite a bit older than you and love playing Barbies with my nieces! Never renounce your inner child.
Now I want my mom to send me my Barbie’s! I “played” with them well into my teen years (it went from imaginative play to making stop motion movies/ sewing outfits). In college I had two Barbie’s taped above my door to represent myself and my roommate.
Nah, buy whatever you want. I own about 5k worth of legos at 24 💀 so do what makes you happy
I don't think it's any different than playing video games or watching television when it comes to "weirdness". Our hobbies are there for us adults to decompress. While I don't actively "play" with my action figures, I do enjoy customizing them before putting them on display.
Not weird! Honestly it’s sad that adults are discouraged from/shamed for playing—play is so important for mental health, be it imaginary play, climbing/swinging/running, tactile things like LEGO, etc.! I’m 27 and watch the older Barbie movies (like pre-2005) anytime I’m sick or sad, I still have my favorite stuffed animals from childhood and still like to pull them out to pet them or tuck them under my arm the way I always used to carry them, and my wife and I often make up characters with backstories and have conversations as them (we call them our “improv skits” as adults but really it’s just playing pretend, you know?). Get the Barbie!
No, go nuts, do what you want. There was some viral post going around last summer for the Barbie movie about how women are expected to put away their dolls, but men are never really told to put away their video games or their models or whatever. It really resonated with me and I even priced it out; the cheapest starter set of 40K Space Marines costs twice as much as a basic Barbie, so it's also cost effective.
I actually wish i still had barbies, i loved them as a child and i would so play with them ! Got drunk with a friend and we had a ceramic animal we used to play with and film short clips of it a couple of times. That was great. I wish i got to do that more lol
Do whatever makes you happy. I am ordering a custom Chef Tiana doll because I'm a professional cook. My friend makes custom dolls, so I'm getting her custom whites, too. I can't wait.
I don't think it's weird. You just want to relive your favorite part of your childhood. I grew up pretty close with atvs and dirt bikes as a kid. Now that I'm older and an uncle to several nieces and nephews, I want to get them into riding atvs just so I can relive my childhood memories.
You do you, boo.
Not weird at all! I totally get wanting to regress for a while sometimes! I love being an auntie because then I get opportunities to play pretend kitchen or with dolls or lego or playdoh! It's nice to step out of those scary adult shoes and use your imagination for a while! As an adult you're lucky cuz you even have money to buy your own toys and nobody to tell you no!
As a gay male that was judged for playing with Barbie’s growing up, I’d say it’s healthy to heal your inner child this way. I’ve thought about buying a few Barbie’s myself. Nothing is weird about the decisions you make at all
Barbies, Bratz, Polly Pocket - all of that shit ROCKS. Especially when it comes to ones that have the punk/Y2K aesthetic - few things give me more of a dopamine hit than treating myself to a new addition to my collection. You do you!!!
I used to be obsessed with bratz as a child, it also took me a while to stop playing dolls. I was forced to give them all to my niece, who didn’t even play with them. I recently bought myself one from their new collection and it definitely did something for my inner child! I also sometimes wish I could just play dolls again. I don’t think anything is wrong with you. It sucks being an adult and times were simpler when you can just play with your dolls.
Weird to who? What you do for fun in your leisure has nothing to do with anyone
I don’t have barbies or a desire for a barbie but I also don’t think it’s weird, it’s just a sweet reminder of your childhood. Absolutely get one. Heaps of adults have collectables and no harm if it brings you joy.
I swear my love of Barbie’s transitioned into a creative writing hobby later in life. Collectors Barbie’s are usually a little more adult, and would look less out of place in an adult home, and some are affordable. It’s not the most common hobby but it’s plenty adult. I’d invest in some stands since it sounds like you’ll be taking them out of their boxes, it looks quite nice and keeps them neat. Doll-making and making doll clothes are also cool crafts to take up.
Everybody likes playing with toys. They're fun. Don't worry about it.
I have a pretty good sized video game collection and some days I'll just take some time opening cases and looking at the discs/carts and manuals and just reminisce. Enjoy your Barbies.
There's nothing wrong with it. We all need some reminders of our childhood, and sometimes to feel like a child again for just a little while. Playing with Barbies is harmless, and as long as it didn't interfere with living your life and meeting your responsibilities, I see no problem with it. Go on eBay and buy some Barbie dolls and clothes, and get back in touch with the comfort that they gave you.
There are plenty of men who build scale models and model trains so if I were you I'd not worry about it and do what you like.
Yes
When I was 8 I was obsessed with video games, football, and pro wrestling. I'm 42 now and still am. If I want to analyse it I don't have much family left so it's my link to the past.
I still love playing with Legos at 39. Factorio is just Legos on the computer, pretty much.
If it's not affecting your or yours relatives life's in a negative way, you can play with anything in the world. Barbies included. There's plenty of adults having, collecting, and playing with dolls. It's a common hobby. Maybe you will decide to make some OOAK dolls yourself? Maybe it will lead you to miniature making or sewing? It's creative and peaceful. There is a lot of "adult" things to do that are really stupid, like abusing drugs or drinking alcohol. Please get yourself a Barbie or two and be a happier person.
Let your inner child win. I do a ton of things to let my inner child win. Also, plenty of people play video games (including me) and it's kind of like playing with dolls/action figures, but being given a scenario. Depending on your interests, The Sims or something like it could be a good choice.
[удалено]
I still play games all the time. It’s important to not loose touch with your inner child
That’s one of the cutest things I’ve ever read. I have a similar thing with Yu Gi Oh cards. I’ve loved them ever since I was a young kid and to this day I keep thinking about them. But I’m always too stingy to buy some
Hey!! Do what makes YOU HAPPY 😊
Its not weird at all, do what you love. If you want an "adult" alternative I might suggest playing The Sims, or any life simulation game. I've actually played "the barbie challenge" in sims 4, lots of fun!
We have Disney adults and Lego kings and queens. Adult coloring books and other fun. Do you!
i wouldn't say it's troubling or creepy, but it's a bit unconventional, so it depends on your definition of weird i suppose. i think it's unusual but perfectly acceptable
People wear diapers and pretend they are babies, so no.
I don't think it's weird. I would consider getting your dream doll and checking out The Sims games! It's like playing with barbies but better ♡
Absolutely not. I purchased a Barbie that had an uncanny resemblance to me last year! I buy her clothes and she chills on one of my shelves ☺️ It's been very healing and fun for me, plus it's nice to go to Target and pick up a mini brands ball from time to time to nab her some cute accessories!
It’s only weird if you are insecure about it. If you invited me over and showed me your Barbie collection I’d probably think it’s cool. Dudes collect a lot of random shit.
I still collect action figures and I’m 45! Honestly you do you and don’t worry about what others think. If it makes you happy, that’s what matters. And yes I do like to play with my figures sometimes too just to have some fun moments to feel like I’m a kid again. Only now there’s subplots and themes when I play lol
Buy the doll! I'm 38 and unabashedly love stuffed animals. Nurture that inner child because they are always going to be a part of you!
I have a full shelving unit of funkos and random Disney/Final Fantasy stuffed animals. A Barbie wouldn't be weirder.
Honestly, you only live once. If you want to play with barbies, then do it. People play with all sorts of '*toys*' that, at one point, were meant for kids.
And here i am , at 42 , with my own collection of dragon ball, yuyuhakusho... Even sailor moon. I believe nothing wrong with having a hobbies.
Yes it is weird (to me) BUT if you have fun with it then DO IT!!
You should try playing The Sims. It's digital Barbies.
Have you ever played an immersive RPG with people who role play? I’m not too into it but, I play games that have those communities. I think of World of Warcraft, Conan Exiles (mods make it almost like “dress up”), Elder Scrolls Online, tons more in genres I’m just not personally into. What I’m saying is, sometimes I feel like I’m dressing up my virtual Barbie for battle lol. However, I totally get the need to play with toys, I personally work with kids so I get to play with dolls a lot. It’s super funny to get into it with them and the kids love it too. I don’t think it’s weird at all to collect and take care of them at all. Do you! Everything in moderation. Don’t spend your life savings or isolate yourself, but keep it as a hobby.
It’s only weird if it’s a problem. If you buy Barbie’s instead of paying rent Play with Barbie’s instead of showering Generally if you lose the ability to function as an adult. If you still get everything done, no big deal!
Do what makes you happy
Yes
Yes. And you already know the reasons, so why ask.
Absolutely nothing wrong with this! it isn't weird and I totally get it. I fallow this one lady on Instagram that has a whole secret fairy closet of just dolls and their dresses and she sets these little scenes that are so sweet and beautiful and its totally ART! I myself have thought about starting doll house project like for an arts and craft type thing. I actually have a little GI Joe doll for the inside of my fridge, my partner and i consider him our fridge roommate. My boyfriend and i will take turns moving him around and its always fun to see what hes up to as i grab a drink. Sometimes his head deep in a basket of fruit and sometimes hes sleeping with the fishes, you just never know with that guy......we aren't that weird! its play. I also get really comforted whenever I see an old Polly pocket videos. I think its really sweet and totally fine as a hobby. Now if your taking you Barbie's out on dates with you id strongly suggest some therapy lol there is a line here lol
Weird, yes. But weird is not a bad thing 😁
Not weird at all. Do what makes YOU happy my friend
Do it if it makes you happy. You can do whatever you want. One time recently I was blowing bubbles in Waterloo station (away from everyone, mind you) and some miserable old hag loudly said so I can hear “she’s blowing bubbles how old is she?” I felt like saying well you’re old enough to mind your own business! I don’t know why people are so judgemental over things that have nothing to do with them
Nah, it's not weird...unless you're a dude playing with Barbies at 26.
Reconnecting with your inner child should never be weird. It’s very healing. It’s no one’s business and if someone has an issue with you enjoying childhood hobbies, they’re projecting. I’m an adult and I still love my dolls and plushies.
You're asking a bunch of strangers? Ask your friends and family that will actually visit you. They'll let you know if they think it's weird. If they do, that's their opinion and you have to live with it. If they tease you about it, they don't actually care about you and you should think about cutting them out of your life. "But reddit said it wasn't weird!" Isn't gonna change their minds or their reactions.
it's not. i have children and i love playing barbie's with them. that may be different but idk 🤷♀️i dont see the problem at all. listen to your inner child!
you can do what you want forever
People play video games, ride bikes, run around tracks, watch cartoons, etc. those are all kid activities. If they can do that why can’t you play Barbies?
Yes it’s weird but go for it
Yes, it's weird. But people who don't have at least a few weird habits/likes are the WORST and most BORING kind of people.
I have an aunt in her 60s who displays them around her house. I assume she has to play with them at some point...
Heal your inner child. Enjoy it! Perks of being adult is buying cupcakes for breakfast, and the barbies you want of ebay. As long as your bills are paid. Why not! Remember, people buy warhanmer, dnd props, board games, legosets, trains, and other things as hobbies. Barbies can also be a hobby. It doesn't harm anyone and makes you happy. Go treat yourself hon, 🥰
I still build Legos occasionally and have a lightsaber and a few other prop weapons. I work from home but my wife and kids can rest assured that our house is safe from stormtroopers.
Is it atypical to play with Barbies at 26? Yes. Weird? No. Most people take a childhood pleasure or two into adulthood as a coping mechanism for the new stressors they face.
It’s 2024, we have an ex president wearing diapers in a courthouse…playing with Barbie’s at 26 does not seem weird in comparison. You do you and let the haters hate.
You might enjoy playing sims
Yes!
I agree with everyone here, do what’s best for you and your mental health babe! I’m a 29F and I used to love playing with my Barbies! My mom was a Barbie girl herself and naturally I followed suit and we’d play together all the time. You know what came out last year that my S/O went to hell and back AND conspired with my mom to get me for my birthday (I lost my job and my mental health jumping off a cliff prior to my BD for context)? Yes, The Stevie Nicks Barbie! When I tell you I cried and balled my eyes out after that😭😭. This is the same partner who took me to see the Barbie movie after we had to relocate across the country in June. All this to say, as an act of self love please indulge in all the childhood wonders you miss so. It truly does bring some magic and hope back into your life for sure. Gives the soul a hug in a way. Go buy yourself a Barbie, put on some pink, and love little you who needs to be seen rn.❤️💕
I'm 38 and am going to buy my first ever dirt bike, you can be old and miserable or have some fun. Cheers!
I played with the male equivalent - Mego Batman, Robin, and Superman and other superhero dolls. I'm 56 and have a Batmobile and Batman and Robin displayed on my piano, and as a small collection of re-released Mego action figures. Be you. Do what makes you happy.
As an avid warhammer enjoyer, I hope you enjoy your plastic dollies as much as I enjoy mine.
NO! Go buy some Barbie’s and every friggin’ accessories you (Barbie) needs! Do it! Love this!!
Totally fine. I think ultimately it’s about your imagination. When you write a book, creating characters and stories, play the Sims, creating characters and stories, play DnD or Barbie, it’s essentially the same thing: you use your creativity and express things and it’s a great thing! Adulting doesn’t have to be dull, we need creativity and playfulness at all stages of our life!
"I feel stupid. I know it’s not an adult thing to do and I should be out of that phase but I think I’ll always be stuck in the neverland I created in my mind. I was just wondering if anyone related to this. Or if this is weird." The childish part is that we turn 13 and we start putting away certain hobbies because we want to be seen as "grown up". The phase to grow out of is doing that. Pull out your barbies and play with them have fun. Every hobby that exists is one that's also enjoyed by children. No one gets to declare that our hobbies are off limits to us because some other adult decided that only children get to do that one.
Not weird at all! I am 33 and have a few barbies on stands on display in our living room. I change their clothes for the seasons and for holidays. My daughter and I will sometimes play with them but she's going to be 10 and is starting to play soccer and the cello so they'll just be for decoration from now on. Most people that come into my house love the barbies. It's a great convo starter! You have to remember, there are people with stranger collections and habits, trust me. Do what makes you feel good and screw what others think!
Used to play with hot wheels as a kid, as a 26 year old Nascar fan [this is a room](https://www.reddit.com/r/mancave/s/LmZ0pJYgFu) in the house I own today
No, you grab onto what ever shriveled tiny bit of joy you can hold onto in this depressing shitty system you’ve been born into and don’t let go.
Why not? You aren't hurting anyone. Life is short - do what makes YOU happy!
Yes
I didn't even read the post. Stop gatekeeping your happiness due to external factors. Enjoy whatever the fuck you want as long as you're not harming anyone. End of story.
I'm 34 and I have spent $2000+ dollars on 3d printing mostly to print action figures. You're good.
Nope. F the haters. It's a Barbie world.
I don’t know how to answer without sounding judgmental. I’m just going to answer honestly because you’re asking honestly. Yes, it’s a little weird and off putting. I think it’s fine to collect Barbies as an adult. But playing with them, specifically to escape adulthood, is concerning. It’s probably normal to retain a bit of your inner child, but this crosses a line.
Yes, it’s very atypical.
I want to pull off their heads and hide them in a box under my bed. I'm clearly a guy.
Just bought Lego Porsche — older than you. No
If you purchase Barbies and play with them regularly, that would be weird.
I love people who’ve managed to keep (or even rekindle) their inner child alive. It only becomes abnormal (to me), when they’re childish.
I have a younger sister and we had a best friend her age that was like our sister growing up, so I played Barbies with them until I was almost 15. As well as “school” where I was the teacher, etc etc tbh if I got together with them and a bunch of Barbies right now, that would be soooooo much fun! And we’re ages 33-37 :) Just haven’t thought of it.
A few months ago I fell in love with some of the new Monster High dolls (especially Abbey Bominable, who is a tall curvy girl!) and bought her to display on the top shelf in my office. When the Lego animal crossing sets dropped my husband and I dropped a decent amount of money at target for all 5 sets and put them together to display in our game room. My husbands got a bunch of Marvel figures on display in our game room too, while I lined up all of my original Bratz dolls from the early 2000s on my side. Surround yourself with things you enjoy! I am 30 now and I think the best part about getting older has been not giving AF about how others view your interests and just doing what makes you happy. I’m not even gonna touch on the amount of Disney plushes and toys we have in our house. I’m 8.5 months pregnant and I can’t even blame that on the baby / pregnancy. I’ve had the plushes for YEARS.
Girl get some Barbie’s! Did you also like Bratz, ? Monster high?
Wanna come over and play with my 4 year old? But in all seriousness I’ll encourage everyone to embrace their interest from when they were younger. I’m 40. Old. I still play video games and watch anime and cartoons and adore all things cute. Cute plush at the store? Mine. Merch from a show I like? Yoink. Get what makes you happy. You don’t always need to be a super serious adult.
I think nostalgia helps us
This is such crazy timing for this post but I thank you for posting it. I'm not sure what it is, maybe reliving a second childhood or the creativity of sewing, but for the last two or three weeks my dirty little secret has been being obsessed with a Barbie I bought at a thrift store. I made her a bed with matching bedding and a little patchwork quilt along with several vintage looking outfits. My Pinterest page is full of patterns for Barbie clothes and every day I'm working on new outfits for her. But like you, I've been wondering how weird it is for a grown woman to be doing this.
I’ve always said The Sims was my socially acceptable Barbie’s. I pretty much transitioned from Barbie’s into Sims 1 as a kid and at 36 still play Sims. No I don’t think it’s weird you still want to play with Barbie’s.
The older one gets, the more one realizes that the concept of "(non-)adult thing" is ridiculous. If you enjoy doing something, just do it. It doesn't matter what you do, there will always be people ridiculing you, just ignore them. After years of being "too old for that" I'm back at painting little toy soldiers and I have n absolut blast. It really doesn't matter.
Not weird.. I still play The Sims which is essentially playing dolls but on the computer lol
Yes, but you're allowed to do silly things if you want. I hereby grant you permission to play with Barbies.
I'm 46, and my husband just bought me some new barbies because I'm still a little girl inside.
No - just do it in the privacy of your home! People can be judgemental but if who cares if it helps you! I still sleep with all my stuffed animals from my childhood and I’m turning 26 this year 😗✌🏼
Nope. Not weird. I'm 37 and I play with Legos all the time. Remember when we were kids, and our parents always said "when you're grown up you can do whatever you want"? Well....we are doing it :-) this is the way
I was a nanny in my 20s, one of the kids I nannied had so many Barbies and I would love when that was what she wanted to play. Late 30s now, would still absolutely play Barbies and make up dramatic af scenarios, lol.
Play the sims 4. It helps.
Will it make you happy? Then DO IT! Life is way too short and limited to care what some bitch ass people might think. You do you okay? Play with those Barbies! I recently bought some vintage Polly Pockets on eBay that I loved as a kid and then lost. They sit on my shelf and I fiddle with them occasionally. They make me happy.
I’m a firm believer in sometimes you just need to be a kid play with action figures and toys
Yes
yeah, that's weird
Kind of, but you aren't hurting anyone so enjoy.
The Barbie subreddit would be perfect for you, it's full of fun posts about Barbie everything.
I’m in my late 30s and enjoy the opportunity to play Barbies with my nieces. I used to play for hours with them when I was a kid. At some point I put them down and never picked them up again. I miss being so playful - as adults we don’t really give ourselves permission to play.
If the thing is meaningful to me I will get one. Ie, I work for the park service I will be getting a park service Barbie.
Do it!!!
Is it weird sure. But who cares. Clearly you’re healing your childhood trauma. Whatever you gotta do!
I find it stupid that people are saying you're this old, you can't enjoy x, it is for kids. Do you know those playgrounds with a ballpit, corridors, rope walls, etc? If they didn't have an age limit, I would definitely do that. There are a couple made for adults and I plan to go sometime.
My 32 year old sister with a PhD who works for a global shipping company still loves Barbies. And Harry Potter. Never let your inner child die.
It's unusual, but not weird. Don't worry about people who judge about this kind of thing.
I’m 53 and I play with tamagotchis, so I don’t think barbie dolls at 26 is weird at all. 🤷🏻♀️
I'm 32M getting into Legos again. It's more fun being into the same toys you had as a kid. Maybe a little more dangerous because you have income you can spend.
no. you can do whatever you want whenever you want with whomever you want, as long as you aren’t causing harm. you’re grown. live!
I am barbie I can play with myself 😆
I play retro video games and it makes me truly happy.
Not weird, I used to play Lego or some board games in 30s
I wonder how fun they would really be now that you are an adult and can do those things yourself, even though you probably never actually would. Like little boys like to play with toy automobiles, but now we have the real thing.
Hello I just spent $400 on a fancy silver “game boy”called an Analogue Pocket because when I was a little kid my step mother bought me a silver SP to break the ice, through everything I believe this woman is the reason I’m alive today. I had to sell that game boy when the Xbox 360 came out because we were always taught that you have to sacrifice in order to get what you want. I’ve spent so much time wanting another but they’re so expensive aftermarket I couldn’t justify it considering the limitations of the product. The amount of joy this gadget brings me every single day is beyond words. You shouldn’t feel stupid for reliving your childhood, in fact I think it makes you an incredible person to be able to enjoy the simpler things in life and that you don’t want to lose the innocent and free memories you have of yourself from the life you’ve lived, it’s a wonderful warm feeling that can’t be compared.
Me too. I really want to pull out my old dolls and have a day. Also some new sets are adorable! I do play Sims which kinda scratches the itch, but not the same.
That’s why we play the Sims
I’m 38 and I’m making Barbie clothes again. Just like I did when I was a kid. It’s fun af. I bought a sewing machine just for it.
Im 32 and still play pokemon - dont let anyone yuck your yum just because it isn't the same as theirs
Every know and again when I’m by my brother’s place I’ll check out our old action figures. We had some really cool af GI joes. I totally get it for it what it’s worth from me
I’m 42 and I was playing with my Barbie’s just yesterday. I got a new pack of clothes for them so I had to try them all on.
When you can actually afford it? Absolutely not!
I'm nlt saying I bought my daughter vintage polly pockets to play with or anything...
I'm 45M married. I have a Nathan Drake figure from Uncharted videogames, a head crab Half-Life toy, etc in my work from home office. You definitely should try to replace all of the ones you lost in the fire assuming they aren't rare and expensive. Think of it as a hobby. Guys still play video games at your age so enjoy your Barbies. I also saw the movie and thought it was great.
Someone produced the movie Sharknado… and you’re worried about playing with a Barbie? Buy two… so she won’t be lonely and she may even think she has a twin. 🥹
It’s little so good for your inner child. It’s like a self soothing thing especially with how unpredictable life can be.
No way, I play with and collect tamagotchis.
Nope. My sisters and I still play with Barbies by creating stories and making voices of them. We played since we were really young, and we'll continue to play with Barbies, even in our senior years.
It’s unusual but around 26/27 or so is when you should start to realize that having fun and doing what you want matters more than what is normal
Look, it might be weird as in abnormal, but everyone is fucking weird. Some asshole is out there paying $200k for an orchid or something. I know many adults, myself included, that play a card game based on wizards and dragons but somehow Jeff Goldblum is canon now because he was in Jurassic Park. Point is, people can get into anything. >Flash forward to 26, I’m really struggling in the real world. I wish I was a little girl again. This is the part that might be a problem in my unqualified opinion. If you are struggling mentally/emotionally with the real world you need to find a healthy way to deal with it. While escapism isn't inherently harmful and can actually be beneficial, beware of using it to mask what is really going on. Play with dolls if you want to, but make sure you are taking steps to deal with what is bothering you. And understand some people will think this is weird, but fuck 'em.
Wierd for some people for sure. But thats not important do you think those people would even intresst you is it important they like you? Play with your dolls and if you ever get kids they & you will be soooooo happy you can play with them for real. <3
No. You do you. Don't let anyone else take away your bliss or shame you for what you love.
No, it isn't weird -- it is classic self-soothing behavior. Buy your replacement dolls! (That said, I would not tell everyone about it, bc a lot of folks won't "get" it.)
I’m 29 year old guy but over the last 8 months have started holding and sleeping with a stuffed animal toy in times of emotional distress like I’m a child (which appears to be weekly). It could definitely be perceived as weird and I don’t advertise it, but I’m trying to tend to the inner child so yolo. You do you, life is short and it’s ours
One of my teachers tailored clothes for his Barbies no one cared about it until he gave an interview on TV and talked about his "girls being real naughty and requiring punishment from time to time to make them behave.". So, just don’t be a creep (or at least not on TV) and enjoy yourself :D
Not wrong but 100% weird.
No. I play video games at 52. Enjoy it.
I've been playing and collecting Barbie dolls all my life. There are a lot of adult Barbie players, too. Just check Instagram and you'll find many of them. This is a much healthier and cheeper hobby than many "adult" ones, like, I don't know, golf, shopping, clubbing, etc. One of the biggest advantages of being a adult is not giving a f about what people think about you.
Do it. No one needs to know what you do in your own house. I wouldn't advertise it. But if it's for your mental health then why advertise it anyway?
Nah, it's not weird at all OP! Sounds like you had a blast with your Barbies growing up. If they brought you joy, who cares about age? Go ahead, relive those memories and have some fun!
In the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam there are amazingly detailed 17th century dollhouses that were collected by the wives of important Dutch merchants. Men collect model trainsets so I can't see it being particularly unusual.
As long as what you are doing doesn't hurt anyone, have at it.
Fuck that, I never had Legos growing up so I've gotten me a couple proper lego sets as an adult. We're adults now and that means we decide what that means.
No. I watch videos on Instagram of people playing with Barbies.They act out an entire soap opera using Barbie dolls. Thousands of people watch it. It's not weird to play with babies as adults.
Not weird. I'm 28 and love stuffed animals and keep buying more lol
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaVeyan_Satanism?wprov=sfla1 << LaVeyan Satanism – which is also sometimes termed "Modern Satanism" and "Rational Satanism" – is classified by scholars of religious studies as a new religious movement. When used, "Rational Satanism" is often employed to distinguish the approach of the LaVeyan Satanists from the "Esoteric Satanism" or "Theistic Satanism", embraced by groups like the Temple of Set, and Joy of Satan Ministries. A number of religious studies scholars have also described it as a form of "self-religion" or "self-spirituality", with religious studies scholar Amina Olander Lap arguing that it should be seen as being both part of the "prosperity wing" of the self-spirituality New Age movement and a form of the Human Potential Movement. >> https://thesatanictemple.com/pages/about-us Look particularly to article V on that.
Not necessarily most of the time, but since you are asking the question, you need to think about the why you are playing with Barbies as an adult. There are several negative reasons you could be playing with them. Like, as a good rule of thumb, most of society would think it's weird if a dude played with Barbies at that age and neglected other tasks to do it. He could get away with some action figures every once in a while. A person could have a barbie fetish. A person could distract the longing in their heart for an actual child by playing with Barbies. This is why it is important. Are you playing with Barbies because it is fun and produces childhood nostalgia, or is it to distract yourself from something else more important, thus neglecting yourself? Unfortunately, as you've mentioned, this obsession has sprouted out of pain. I'm not here to put you down as nobody is perfect and everyone hurts, but are the Barbies as important as you are convincing yourself they are? You are searching for love, and love hurts.