Real Dolls and their suitability for relationships

A man comes home and leans down towards his pretty girlfriend, who is sitting on the sofa watching TV. He runs his fingers through her hair and chats to her. He gets no reply. He doesn't expect one, though, because the beauty with the pretty face and stunning figure is a Real Doll – a sex doll. However, these dolls bear no resemblance to the inflatable models of years gone by. They are made from high-quality materials, are fully articulated, and are life-size, as is evident from their weight.

The elaborate manufacturing process produces dolls that are incredibly lifelike. Teeth, lips, a tongue and exceptionally lifelike eyes, as well as hair, all combine to create the perfect illusion. Any visitor would greet such a doll sitting in the flat in a friendly manner at first, before realising their mistake – if at all, and certainly not straight away. Customers can customise the appearance of their Real Doll, choosing options such as body type, breast size, eye and hair colour, and much more. There are also male Real Dolls, featuring the same high-quality craftsmanship and attractive measurements, as well as a similarly high price.

The skin of these dolls feels lifelike. However, they are not anatomically accurate, as they have neither a brain nor real bones. They cannot consume food or drink either. These expensive, life-size Barbies are not really advertised as sex toys; they are playmates for all purposes, not just erotic ones. In fact, some people have entered into relationships with one of these dolls, or even several.

One example is an elderly, hearing-impaired man who chose a Real Love Doll because he found it difficult to find a partner. As the doll is too heavy for him to carry, he moves her around his flat using a frame fitted with castors that he built himself. He also uses the frame to take her into the bathroom to clean her. He buys her clothes and jewellery, combs her hair, and holds her in his arms lovingly while they watch TV in the evening together. 'She doesn't particularly like lingerie', he says. When the interviewer asks how he knows that for certain, the man replies: 'You can tell by the look in her eyes.' One might assume that, for this man, reality and dreams have long since merged. However, he explains that, lacking the character traits of 'real women', the doll can only win people over with her stunning looks.

The man is fully aware of this and has chosen it. Although he has a beautiful partner, he must also accept her role in their relationship. She cannot do anything on her own, nor does she have a personality – she gets that from him. Children experience this in a similar way with their dolls and soft toys – they project themselves onto them. They know the toys aren't really alive, except when the children are very young.

There are also smart, attractive young men who maintain an entire harem. Perhaps things are easier for them in many respects. One film advert showed an American man sitting in a living room surrounded by about twenty Real Dolls, most of which were Asian models. He doesn't find it creepy at all to come home and greet this silent gathering of dolls. Love for these giant Barbies can take strange turns: an American woman had a doll made in her own image. She walked down the aisle with an exact silicone replica of herself. Is this a celebration of self-love or a satirical event?

Incidentally, these ideal partners do require some maintenance. Some owners decide to change the hair or eye colour from time to time. Furthermore, the make-up needs freshening up occasionally, or a part needs replacing. Generally, the manufacturer takes care of this.

Perhaps life with Real Dolls is the future of relationships. Artificial intelligence will also play a part, enabling dolls to speak and move independently. While these partnerships are likely to be peaceful, they will also be labour-intensive. This dream woman will do everything her owner desires. She will wear stunning lingerie and await him in seductive poses. However, he will have to dress her in those pretty outfits himself, and she will only be waiting for him in a seductive pose in the bedroom if he gets her ready quickly, before work in the morning. It's a kind of mirror game with brunette and blonde. But these on-demand playmates are certainly good listeners.

© The article 'Real Dolls and their suitability for relationships. A kind of mirror game with brunette and blonde' was written by Eleonore Radtberger (translated by Izabel Comati), 09/2026. The picture shows a Barbie doll (© Pressenet).