Hi everyone! Long-time lurker here. Okay, I know I'm not exactly an ESSA plushie handler, but I wanted to post here because this seems like the biggest subreddit here regarding ESSAs, and I wanted to share a perspective on something I’ve noticed within the community.
While I don't own an ESSA yet. I do have stuffed toys/animals, but they just don't bring me comfort and aren't satisfying. No, I don't mean it in a "they don't qualify for an ESSA" way; it just doesn't work for me. What I always wanted was a Douglas dog plushie, or something similar. The thing is, I've always wanted a soft stuffed dog, even before I knew what ESSAs are or about the ESSA community. So when I found it, it was quite disheartening to see so many people condemn all Douglas plushie owners just because it's "popular". Yes, I know you don't need a Douglas or a Dog plush to have an ESSA, and it's just a popular choice ever since it became a trend. So I guess I'm just personally icked because while I always hate being unoriginal and following trends just for the sake of it, I genuinely like something that is now somewhat mainstream.
Oh, well. I can't currently afford a Douglas anyway, and I'm still afraid of being judged even if I'd keep it private (like mostly at home and discreet when taken outside), so I'm not going to get an ESSA anytime soon. For now, I'll just swoon over adorable pups in online images, and I do somewhat get a phantom source of comfort from them.
And I'm curious, did any of you feel pressured to pick something "unique" to avoid the trend, or did you just go with what brought you the most peace regardless? Feel free to discuss and share your ESSAs in the comments
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