Why I prefer plushies to people: the definitive list

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I've done a lot of thinking about this since my roommate moved out (and since it's so quiet, I can hear my plush friends "talking" more easily now), and I've come up with this bulleted list:

- Plushies are always there for you - never in a hurry, never busy, never preoccupied with themselves

- Plushies are patient and kind - they don't criticize or judge, they don't care what you look like or how much you weigh, what kind of grades you get in school, how much you sleep due to exhaustion from psych meds and social anxiety

- They're completely altruistic - YOU, their owner, are their priority. From the moment they are purchased or given to you, they are prepared to love, befriend and protect you, no matter what. They also never guilt-trip or shame you for "asking too much" or for having needs of your own that must be fulfilled.

- They are accepting and always know exactly the right things to do/say - they never say, "Stop crying/melting down, you're too old for that;" "Stop feeling sorry for yourself;" they know exactly how to help you cope with anxiety and sensory overload, they stay perfectly still and quiet when you speak, they cuddle you when you feel sick

- You can always predict what they're going to say and do, unlike with real people

- Since plushies are naturally loving, kind, and innocent, they never gossip or say mean things about you behind your back or on Facebook, or talk about you as if you weren't there

- They don't mind if you stim (or use them as a stim)

- On the occasions when you carry them openly in a social situation, they can even be conversation starters - provided your audience is understanding

- They help you sleep

- They keep you from biting or picking at your fingernails and cuticles

- They never leave you

- They're always open to hugging, cuddling and kissing

- They don't judge you for your special interests

- They're always friendly to any new additions to the group

- They always let YOU decide what you're going to do, and when and how you will do it

- They don't tell you what to do

- They're always in a good mood, they love to play and laugh, they don't take their bad moods out on you, but are okay with you doing it to them if that's what you want to do

- If you can't have live animals of your own (cuz of allergies, building restrictions, scheduling, etc) a plushie of the animal you want can sometimes be a nice substitute

- They don't get jealous and petty if you need to "rotate" the plushies on your bed and relegate some to temp storage, or if you cuddle with one more often than the others, or have "favorites"

- Depending on the size, they can go just about wherever you go

- They entertain themselves while you're away all day

- They can remind you of a favorite person, either because they were the ones who gave that plushie to you or because they are a reminder of that person....for instance, my aunt's given me plushies of Pikachu and Sneezy the dwarf from Disney's Show White, and when I was a kid and would feel lonesome for her when she had to go back home, I would cuddle with Pikachu or Sneezy and feel somewhat better

- They don't eat a thing, make any noise, or leave any messes, but are okay with you eating stuff, making noise and having messes if that's what you want to do

- They aren't overly competitive

- They make nice gifts

- They let you watch what you want to watch on TV

- They provide good sensory input, depending on what kind of fabric they're made from

- They often come in the shape of favorite movie/TV characters

- They're often a person's first "real friends" in life - ones that are constant and always stay

- They love taking photographs and don't mind you posting them on Tumblr, Facebook or Flickr

- They make a room seem more cozy and cheerful

.....Aaaaand I think that about covers it. If anyone wants to add some of their own, go right ahead. After going over this list, I don't see how anyone couldn't understand why plushies make splendid companions/extended family.

I love your list, you have to find comfort and friendship however you can in this world.
Give your plushies a big hug from me and tell them I think they are doing a wonderful job at providing comfort.

This reminds me of a doco I saw once about a lady who had a plushie named bearsac who helped her to connect ,communicate and engage socially. I remember thinking that she was very cool. I can't remember her name bat I remember her plushies name was bearsac, The doco was great I think you would really like her.

Many of the reasons you listed for why you prefer your plushie friends to real people reminds me a lot of why I prefer my imaginary friends to real people.

I was just drawing and cutting out a pattern for the Peahawk plushie that I'm going to make. I'm going to be making him out of my old sweat pants.