Human Sized Emotional Support Teddy Bears - would you get one?

[FurryPupUnderTheBed]

There seem to be a lot of people struggling to get their emotional needs met both in and out of relationships

I've been thinking for a while about how a human substitute would be soothing at times.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/lifestyle/article-11445465/Will-Loving-Bear-Puffy-man-sized-teddy-boyfriend-substitute-make-single-life-bearable.html

What stops me is that there seems to be a fair amount of shame to admitting to having this kind of need. It seems ridiculous, creepy, whatever.

What are your opinions on this?

Already have one! (Dog and very cuddly one)

I think it’s a bit pathetic actually…the majority of women are absolutely fine single, and certainly don’t need a life size creepy bear to help them get through life!

I started reading that article about corsets and immediately thought about Temple Grandin with Clare Danes, and sure enough it went on to talk about her

I wouldn't buy one of those horrible teddies though, sorry OP but no.

I chatted with my sister yesterday about the need for more hugs/more touch contact.

She is single. She said she gets them from people at her board games club twice a week. But she is not a touchy feely.

How do other single people get hugs and keep themselves from feeling touch starved?

I think with the loneliness epidemic of our age it's inevitable that people are going to come up with all sorts of coping strategies. This wouldn't be for me but I can think of worse things.

In general I do wish we could come up with some evidence based guidance for people living with loneliness longer term on how best to manage it.

Well it’s no different to men who buy those sex torsos

Crumbs - I've just watched the Esty video for the man sized, man shaped bear (though somewhat lacking in the anatomically correct department).

But I do love the Dutch word for a shopping cart - "winkelwagen".

Would I get one? Never!

That 'thing' is creepy. How can a furry/fleece covered blow up doll give emotional support?

From my friends, from my family, from my daughter…we don’t need a man for hugs!

What a weird looking thing as pp said head too small ,freaky hands.
I remember a us dragons den from years ago,a blue thing with arms when squeezed ..everything is going to be ok.

That bear is terrifying. Also the proportions are out the head too small. I have a weighted blanket which is nice but does not replace a proper hug. My cat is the best to snuggle on my knee when Im stressed.

The Calmness Crew is something similar to help with child mental health - but aren’t life size, that would be freaky

I always cuddle a pillow to go to sleep so I guess this is something similar? But more expensive😅.
Personally I'm not tempted. But then I think newborn dolls are creepy as fuck as well and I know there are people who love them so..each to their own.

Wtf. I think there is a certain difference. Unless this soft toy is equipped with a penis.

Get a Labrador 😂my God, that thing is horrible.

The only cure for loneliness is meaningful relationships with other people.

Sorry, but are evolved for human connection.

We live very unnaturally now. And it’s taking its toll.

I agree but I simply don't think that there is a cure solution for all lonely people. In my case I just got a lot of really unhelpful advice like join groups when there wasn't anything appropriate available in my local area. Other people might have things like personality disorders that mean they inevitably end up alienating other people.

Some people do end up living with something that's not good for them and I think there has to be better and worse ways to do so. If something like this helps a lonely person manage their poor mental health as a result of being lonely then they might be better off than a lonely person with no coping strategies.

No, too hard to properly launder for one thing. You cuddle with them you snuggle with them you sleep with them you sweat on them, they will eventually need to be laundered, they will never look as good after laundering as when they do fresh out of the store.
You're better off with a body pillow. A nice big long body pillow. You can put a slipcovers on those and pillow covers so you can wash those more easily, they're great for side sleepers, not for the comfort aspect but just a nice way to support your knee and it's more comfortable sleeping, don't twist your back, but also it does feel comforting. It feels like something that you're hugging. But it's designed for easy washing.

Yes the laundering is definitely an issue.
Body pillow sounds good.

I think a previous posters comment about the loneliness epidemic is true though. I don't think we have lived so long and in such isolation ever in human history.