This particular Opinion Piece was inspired by none other than my amazing sister! Who is way cooler than me, and pretty much better at everything! So, if you're fond of me, you'll really, really like my sis! Who, has threatened to sue me for defamation if I dare to mention her here; whoops! You're officially Unconventional, Lys!
Most of us at some point in our youth had a very important companion found in the stuffing of a small animal or character. Sometimes this was a person, like a doll. Sometimes this was an action-figure (Weird to cuddle these...but I'm sure it happened). I'm not talking about any old toy, though. I'm talking about the cuddly ones you bring with you to bed and cry into when you're sad.
My very favorite stuffed animal is a polar bear named Gundy. I received him for Christmas in the late 20th century and still sleep with him today. Shout out to my sister and Cowwy for also making it to 2023 from the late 20th century. I'm sure you're wondering how a small girl could come up with such a name for a stuffed animal. I was under the impression he was a beanie baby and upon reading on his tag the company brand of "Classic Gund," decided that must be his name. So was born, Gundy.
And Gundy and I go way back. He's the most stable thing in my life quite honestly. He's solidly been here since nearly the very beginning; which, I cannot say about anyone else. Then again, people let words come out of their mouths whereas Gundy did not. He simply provided a buddy to cuddle and a shoulder to cry on. And, boy, did I cry into Gundy throughout childhood.
Emotional support animals are real. They're just no different from non-emotional support animals. Not to discount the animals that can tell when you're "off" because I have a cat that does this. I know I might be heading into an episode when Zeke get's particularly cuddly. For the rest of the pets, their simple presence suffices in all honesty. Just look at that cute little face! You can't help but smile back! I digress.
Stuffed animals work in this way too. They may not purr back at you, or obnoxiously lick your face, but maybe that's better? They just exist. To be cuddly. You don't have to feed or water them, and there's no litter box or poop bags to faff around with. They don't even need sunlight. Sometimes, you need to wash them, but it's not totally a necessity. They really just take care of themselves!
And by the time you go to college you make the big decision on whether or not to schlop your little dude all the way to campus to live out their days in a dorm. My freshman roommate also brought her favorite stuffed animal from home. We bonded over this.
Eventually, they disappear, though. Sometimes by choice, like with my freshman roommate who eventually "grew out" of it and brought her little guy home. Sometimes by accident, like when things get lost or tossed. Almost naturally, our stuffed companions fall away from us either figuratively or quite literally down the side of our beds never to be seen again.
Why?
Is it natural to shed our cuddle buddies from day 1? Is it healthy? As adults, we buy boyfriend pillows and husbands (also a type of pillow - I'm not suggesting that men be put up for sale; however...) to take their place. And these are great too! But, why?
It's unnecessary, people! Keep your little dudes forever! Of course, over the years, they may fall apart. But that's okay! Someone, somewhere still knows how to sew and if they don't; well, hey! New skill!
I just think it's silly to get rid of something so dear to us that brings us so much comfort. So, I'm officially here to tell you it's okay to keep your little stuffed animals! And my brilliant sister would agree!
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