Mako said:
*Paging Ron. Ron please report to the teddy bear topic, your expertize are needed*
Am I alone in this? Anyone else with an unending love of teddybears/stuffed animals.
Yes, apparently you haven't gotten to know me yet, frillyfoxy.
I've had this conversation with quite a few people, and I've still yet to be able to perfectly describe what's so awesome about teddies/plushies in words yet.
The interesting thing to me is that teddy bears have crossover between *B feelings and just general people feelings. I mean, it's not uncommon at all for teenage to adult females to have plushies. I also think that my teddy is something that I can enjoy without being in AB mode, which isn't true for me for things like diapers, pacifiers, etc.
To me a teddy bear is a lot like an imaginary friend, but a little bit more concrete. It's like a pet, but without all of the cleanup, bills, and responsibility.
I think we all have the desire to want to hug/cuddle someone, whether we like to admit it or not. A lot of people find this in a partner or spouse. The problem is that that other person is an actual person...with faults, moods, issues or anything else that keeps them from being a hug/cuddle buddy any time you want.
A teddy bear, however, is ALWAYS there when you need someone to hug (unless of course you're in public or working, but come on, that's understandable). I mean, I know that my teddy bear is just an inanimate object, but like a little kid, I let myself pretend like he's a real friend. Besides, he's so so soft, furry and squeezable, so physically there's a lot of pleasure from hugging him.
But emotionally he also makes me feel good, too. It's like I told someone one time: "When you're feeling bad, a teddy bear makes you feel better. When you're feeling good, a teddy bear makes you feel awesome." It's just so nice to feel like someone's always there for you. Even if you have to use your imagination, it's nice to feel like someone understands you or has the time for your feelings.
Yes, I know that this is making me sound like I'm totally insane and unstable (and maybe I am to a certain degree
), but I honestly think that's okay as long as the teddy bear feelings are kept in check (for instance, like I said earlier, I am completely aware of the fact that my teddy is merely an inanimate object that was manufactured in China back in 1986
). It's a great connection to that childlike feeling of always having a cuddly friend there for you, no matter what else is happening in your life.
Teddy bears don't die, don't leave you, don't judge you, don't get mad at you, and they don't ever refuse a hug or even a soft kiss. And that's just wonderful.
If that weren't enough, here's a great site for teddy quotes.
I Love Teddies : Teddy Bear Quotes
Here are a few of my favorites.
"It is most offensive to the kindly bears who've adopted us when we thoughtlessly blurt out some comment about "real" bears, or "alive" bears, as if our very real and lively bear friends weren't."
-Alla Bozarth-Campbell
"In a world where everyone seems to be larger and louder than yourself, it is very comforting to have a small, quiet companion."
-Peter Gray
"Bears sleep by day. At night they stay awake to chase away bad dreams."
-Jesse O'Neil
"When everyone else has let you down, there's always Ted."
-Clara Ortega
And the best:
"There's just something about a Teddy Bear that's impossible to explain. When you hold one in your arms, you get a feeling of love, comfort and security. It's almost supernatural."
-James Ownby
