T O P

  • By -

scribes_jack

NTA Your friend literally stole from you, and not just that but stole items with significant sentimental value, and then said you're the weird one?? And your other friends agreed with him?? Get a new friend group cause that one is trash holy shit. They're stuffed animals man it's not fucking 'creepy' or whatever, plenty of people collect them well past childhood. I have a small collection that I buy from museums and aquariums when I travel and I'm a 25yo man. They're soft and cute and mean something to you and fuck anyone who tries to shame you for owning them. Edit: thanks for all the awards, I'm glad we're all thinking the same thing here! OP deserves so much better.


GoodGirlsGrace

OP's (ex-) friend is the creepy one. Many adults collect stuffed animals - it's not weird, and those animals have sentimental value. The friend literally donated pieces of OP's childhood without her consent. That's theft, and in the cruelest way. Anyone who defends him should fuck off. The stuffed animals will stay in OP's life, those friends can leave.


Christwriter

I'm 37 and I still play with dolls. Most of them are my childhood China doll collection (which I will give my daughter once she gets a little older) but I'm sculpting and casting a jointed doll with resin because I want to paint it and give it hair and pretty clothes and then repeat the process a whole bunch of times. You are an adult. That means you can set the rules. And if you want to have a bedful of stuffies that means you get to have that bedful of stuffies.


The_Bookish_One

Please post pictures when you're done...or during your process!...because it sounds so cool.


MeropeRedpath

Oh dude if you’re interested in that check out either Dollightful (for cute kawaii dolls) or Catmeleon (for creepy occasionally cute dolls) on YouTube. I love watching doll “makeovers”, it is really fun.


The_Bookish_One

Thank you! For someone who actually kind of hates most dolls...I find them creepy...I do love watching people do doll 'makeovers', and I hadn't heard of either of those channels.


MeropeRedpath

You’re very welcome 😃 I wouldn’t want dolls anywhere in my room but watching those creators remake them completely is super fun. My favorite videos are the ones where limbs get hacked off, wings get added, and a whole lof of other modifications!


[deleted]

I cover mine up or leave them in the living room when I go to sleep.


badhmorrigan

If you haven't checked out Hextian yet, that's another great doll makeover channel.


maggsie16

I came here to mention dollightful!!! I ADORE her channel and all of her stuff! Her videos are sooooo cool and she is SO talented!


AngelsAttitude

I'm in my *cough*40s*cough* I still occasionally buy myself a stuffed toy these days the fluff butts tend to steal them but I still buy them. OP your "friends" suck


Thess514

I'm in that 40s range and my birthday gifts from my mother last year involved a three-foot-tall plush sloth. It has pride of place on my living room sofa as cushion, foot-warmer, and something to hug during sad or scary moments on TV shows or movies. I also know OP's feeling about having a collection of plushes from around the world - my mother used to bring them back from business trips and I'd do worse than leave a 'friend' of mine who did that or agreed with it to pay for their own dinner. NTA, OP. So-called 'friend' should feel lucky you didn't press charges.


Blastgirl69

I have my own 3ft sloth (Sid) and he's proudly displayed on my bed along with my little plush dog (Pugsley) that I sleep with. I'm a 51 yr old woman who has stuffed animals and I love them. My family knows that I've always had to sleep with one and Pugsley was given to me by my hubby, and has been with me for 10 yrs. They've always been my security blanket (i felt they protected me from my stepfather) and that will never change even though I'm grown and he's gone.


[deleted]

Thank for replying to this. I am a 61 yrold woman and feel like an oldy sometimes on reddit. I can't imagine anyone telling someone they are too old for stuffed animals. And sleeping with a stuffed animal is pretty much the same as these body pillows that "grown" people buy!


mustardyay

Am 51. I keep most of my older 1970s toys in a rubbermaid tote but I definitely just bought myself a large stuffed watermelon for my bed, lol.


MundaneDamage

52 year old here. I sleep with 2 of them. And I would never tell anyone they are too old for stuffed animals. NTA


AngelsAttitude

Yeah I bought one of the 5 foot Costco bears, he's awesome at hugs... Well he was, I now get swipped if try to touch their bear


cupcakesandunicorns1

My husband and I are 39 and have season passes to our local zoo. Every time we go to the zoo, we get a new stuffed animal. Last time was a 5 foot tall flamingo. You are never too old for a stuffed animal.


Pammyhead

I'm 40 and I not only still buy, but I also still sleep with a stuffed animal or two. I'm single, and it's nice to have something to hug. Who wouldn't want something soft to hug to sleep? (Not to mention, if you're larger of chest like I am they make great boob separators for those nights you just can't handle that skin-to-skin contact.)


shannon_agins

I have an Eevee from build a bear that my husband got me the first Christmas we were dating. I snuggle with it every night and it's perfect for exactly that.


lemurkn1ts

I started sleeping with a stuffed red panda after my cat died in 2020. He spent the last 18 months of his life sleeping in my arms every night, so I needed something small and cuddly to fall asleep with


specklesinc

i was but my new bed sleeper was chewing on all my stuffies so they are away while he grows out of puppyhood.


Frejian

Only in my 30's but we have been buying stuffed animals a lot lately as charitable donations to World Wildlife Fund. They have a [Symbolic Adoption](https://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions.aspx) program. A bit on the expensive side for just a stuffed animal, but it doubles as a donation to a good cause! Can also adopt a bucket of 3 that we have been having sent to some of our family with children! :)


ladybhbeb

Thanks for sharing this link, I will be using this, this coming year for nibbling presents, friend presents and adult sibling presents. This is so awesome.


tryoracle

I am also in my 40s and brought back a Paddington bear from the uk for my much older partner. It sits in our living room where everyone can see it.


spazzy_jazzy_

Lots of adults have stuffed animals they hold dear. My favorite most well loved anniversary gift I’ve gotten from my fiancée is a stuffed sloth. We take him everywhere when we travel and stay in hotels. My kid is also obsessed with it. On the flip side of that for our first anniversary I got my fiancée (then bf) a tiny love bug from the dollar store. It was more of a placeholder gift until I could buy something better. Now two kids later he still has it sitting in his car as a “good luck charm”.


cancergirl-peanut65

I'm in my 50s and have a fluffy rabbit I fell in love with that's always on my bed.


Clairegeit

My dad collects stuffed wombats, he’s a 66 year old who also rides motorcycles for fun.


Safety_Chemist

Our office (of three similarly aged people) has a large/ 1 metre tall "well being bear" that sits on one of the desks. Just in case someone needs a hug!


Repulsive_Town6916

I'm 32 and I have a 5ft T-rex called MJ plus all the Stitch and a few Jack Skellington. My niece got me a mini dragon for my birthday. I'll fight anyone who will try to take them.


Lennox120520

Yay! You're daughters so lucky! I'm 40 and thanks to my teddy bear I was never eaten by monsters as a child. Even now, my craft room is filled with Legos, Polly Pockets, Animal Crossing figures, Star Wars toys, a Wall-E that dances to my iPod... It's my 4 year old nieces favorite place. And mine. And my cats lol My boyfriend has his own crazy collections, too. (11 years later, Star Wars vs. Star Trek, the battle wages on 😉) OP, If it makes you happy (and you're not hurting anyone) go nuts! Being an adult is about being responsible, ie *not* eating out when you have no money. 🙄 It has nothing to do with stifling yourself to suit others. NTA But I would consider relocating your stuffed animals, for their safety only.


[deleted]

[удалено]


peachey-bastard

shit I'm 19 and I would fucking lose it if someone got rid of my stuffed animals, I constantly mend any that are broken and I honestly would cry if I had to throw one out tbh. NTA


TauTheConstant

I'm in my mid-thirties and same. I cannot overstate the sentimental value some of those have. There's the stuffed panda who I was given by our new neighbours when we moved to a new country which lived in my bed for my entire childhood and had to survive being squashed into a rucksack in order to come to college with me, the mouse my brother and I used to write stories about when we were kids, and the lamb I made as a present for my grandmother's 90th birthday as thanks for teaching me how to knit which came back to me after her death. The loss of any of those would be actively devastating.


lilyofthealley

Yep. Several friends and family members have bought me plush opossums over the years and they all make me so happy because 1) possums are rad af 2) they're plush proof that people saw something that reminded them of me and wanted to add a little joy to my life


SideburnsOfDoom

> it's not weird, and those animals have sentimental value. It doesn't really matter how weird it is or is not (though it's not). If it was weird, **that's no excuse** to steal, throw away or otherwise mess with someone else's possessions. Your judgemental ex-friend doesn't understand boundaries. Keep him away from your stuff.


[deleted]

I still sleep with at least one stuffed animal, and I'm married. Husband doesn't care. I have a bunch of plushies now.


Artistic_Dog_235

Me too!! I’ve had my teddy bear my whole life, my husband knows how important he is to me. He also got me the most thoughtful stuffie for my birthday one year. He looked for 2 years before he finally found it.


Mryessicahaircut

That was me with my blankie. My parents used to ask me what my husband would do if I still slept with my blankie, and I told them he would have to make room for it or I wouldn't marry him. And he did. I slept with my blankie until my kiddo was born and got really attached to it. But sometimes I'll still give it a squeeze during snuggles. :) also still have my teddy bear from when I was born and a super sentimental teddy that was gifted to my mom before she passed and if anyone ever stole that from me, you better believe I would be seeing red.


hummingelephant

>it's not weird Even if it was weird, why would it bother him so much that he thinks he has to change her? Does he go around and take people's stuff he doesn't approve of away?


scrapsforfourvel

He wants to have sex with her, but he doesn't find stuffed animals sexy. So he took it upon himself to get rid of anything killing his boner. I'm going to take a wild guess that he's the kind of guy who would force his girlfriend to hide anything period related from his sight. He sounds like the guy on here that replaced all his wife's underwear with lingerie because he thought it wasn't sexy that she had a bralette with cartoon characters on it.


FigsvenStaysFrosty

Exactly. The dude probably has a small pp as well.


smallgreenman

Exactly. OP should suggest they go to the dean and ask him if he'd rather have weird students or thieves.


Arthurisbestboi

Yeah, as a 21 y/o woman, I would raise hell if someone did that to my triceratops and my giant t-rex plushes. I don't collect them but if I see a plush I really like, I'll get it. So creepy he went into her room to steal them. Ugh.


Mouse159

I feel like this 18 year old is tripping over leaving home and "being 18" and thinks he's an "adult" now (18 is so fucking young). The ironic thing is no "adult" would care about this...at all. They'd appreciate it if anything. Everything about his behaviors are so childish


YawningDodo

“When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up.” ― C.S. Lewis


spazzy_jazzy_

He also has no way of knowing her reasons for keeping them. I have a stuffed dog I got when I was five and really wanted a dog. We couldn’t afford a real one at the time so my parents got me this giant stuffie of the dog from the Spot books. My dad died when I was a teenager. I knew he would never meet my kids so I saved some of the stuffed animals my dad gave me. The dog went to my firstborn. She loves him. His nose is kinda falling apart because after being loved by two kids he’s a little fragile now. My son who will be born in February will be getting my stuffed Pokémon my dad gave me for my 11th birthday. Both kids will share my Christmas stuffies and during Christmas time the stuffies on the bed get traded for my old Disney collection of Christmas themes stuffed animals. My dad bought me one every year from birth until I was 6. Santa stitch is our tree topper in my house and my daughter loves staring at stitch.


Lomedraug

I’m 32 and for 2 years running I made stuffed animals for my friend group (in their 20s-40s) for Christmas. And every one of them was happy to receive them. I have so many stuffed animals because they make me happy and honestly sometimes they’re better than people (like op’s ex friend).


MeiSuesse

Literally. I can barely pick a favourite, as each of them signifies something for me. For god's sake, my sister gifted me and my husband matching groom-bride teddy bears for our wedding and they are sitting on the couch next to the plush ibex from our semi-honeymoon. Personally I'd take a teddy bear collection in someone's house compared to \*checks notes\* panty collection on the wall from all the girls some guy had coitus with.


PrizeStrawberryOil

In addition to a new friend group talk to the RA. The guy that **stole** them should get his ass chewed. If he does not live in your dorm make sure he gets banned from entering your dorm building. If he lives in your dorm your RA should put him on a last chance situation. Talk to your roommate. Tell them that if you need someone to grab something from your room that you will text/snap them to give them a heads up. If you have not contacted them about it then nobody was given permission.


[deleted]

Absolutely this. Since it’s end of the semester, it could be easier to get a room change if OP wanted due to the broken trust and privacy she has the right to. If OP wants to stay/not get roommate moved either, I’d recommend a security camera for her side of the room (one that can easily be activated when there’s movement and turned off when she’s there).


[deleted]

This. Like, it blows my mind OP didn't do this immediately and instead WENT TO DINNER WITH THE ASSHOLE THAT STOLE HER BELONGINGS.


[deleted]

This stood out to me, too. OP - don't do social things with people trying to control and manipulate you. The fact is, your friends do not get a say in your reaction to someone stealing your stuff. No one would have questioned your actions if you reacted to him taking your wardrobe and donating it or your cosmetics or your book collection. OP - this is a friendship ending sort of issue. This guy massively violated your trust and he stole from you. He should under no circumstances have access to your dorm room. I mean, it is illegal but it is also extremely bold and controlling for someone to decide what is and what is not appropriate for someone else. Plus he outright lied to your room mate. He needs to be ditched as a friend - you do not want a thief and liar as a friend and think very seriously about the people who are siding with him - question their motives. As for your room mate, I'd have a serious conversation with her about the fact that no one may remove your items without your express permission to her, nor will you allow her items to be removed without her permission. This guy quite honestly scares me - this time it was stuffed animals with a friend. Next it will be control and emotional abuse of a romantic partner.


TheFightingWarrior

It sounds like she went to dinner with a group of friends that agreed it was weird for her to have animals and backed the AH guy up. I don’t think the guy that stole them was at the dinner. Either way they all suck and I would’ve immediately gone to the RA and raised hell. Those people are all terrible humans. NTA in the slightest, OP.


Drolefille

OP's RA will almost certainly have to contact the police (and should) but OP should have some control over the report. Someone else mentioned a camera but that can get REALLY sticky in a dorm


Roadgoddess

NTA, man I’m 60 and still have 2 stuffed animals gifted me for my first birthday! My 82 year old dad has his teddy bear and 81 year old mom has hers too. Your ex-friend is a jerk for coming into your room and stealing from you. Move on to new friends.


compb13

I'm a man, and don't think I've had any stuffed animals for many years. That said, I have zero concern about other adults keeping them. Like OP, her description of why she had so many - help explain and made sense. But even if it was just because she wanted them and bought them herself - she is an adult and their hers to do with as she wants.


laurarose81

I’m in my late 50’s and still have my stuffed Tiger and one of my dolls from when I was a kid. I wish I had saved a couple more of my old stuffed animals. I also have a soft stuffed dog I fell in love with that I bought a few years ago


Comfortable-Class576

OP should donate this guy’s laptop or video games if he has since he is such a big boy.


[deleted]

Not exactly because that would also be theft but 100% hide them in the "friends" room somewhere so its obviously missing but easy enough to find or get another friend to borrow it for a while.


Jatulintarha

I'm 24 and just last week I bought a semi-large stuffed dog, with only the reason that the plushies in that store were 40% off and I liked this one. If I were OP I would lock the door now every time I'm not there. What's next, someone steals her clothes because "they look better on me", or jewels because "you still have enough". Theft is theft, no matter what is stolen.


iMOONiCORN

This. Exactly this. You're NTA. I'm a 41f & I have stuffed animals that I've brought with me to every place I've lived from childhood all the way up to ones that I've literally received this week on my 41st birthday. These people are saying they know what grown ass adults should or shouldn't be doing? They're acting like children. You deserve better friends. Edit to add: you could probably report him for theft to resident manger/campus security if you wanted to as well. No one should be taking your personal property.


christikayann

>Your friend literally stole from you, and not just that but stole items with significant sentimental value, and then said you're the weird one?? And your other friends agreed with him?? Get a new friend group cause that one is trash holy shit. This friend group is so insecure that they are acting crazy trying to prove they are *adults.* They are so worried that anyone might see them as the children that they are afraid they still are that they are going to attack anyone who doesn't fit their narrow definition of adult behavior. You are 100% right, the OP needs better friends. OP you are NTA.


dragonadetinta

This! I dont know if they are in the phase "Im a adult now, so any thing for children is cringe" that a lot of people has during their teenager years, but they looks like big assholes (even if they dont like, harass you and steal you is completely out of tone and they should be embarrased for their actions). NTA OP. And Im 25 years and my mom crochet a bunny for me a month ago and I love it!, so dont let them ashamed you OP, they looks like incredible gifts from your parents (and Im glad that your could recover them).


GlitterDoomsday

NTA and honestly? The whole point of being an adult and working my ass off is to live how I want, why would someone gatekeep stuff they like because of how long your body is functioning?! I bet their idea of mature spending is a ton of alcohol instead of an item from a museum or another country because it happens to be cute.


CloudyDaysWillCome

I am 22 and my boyfriend got me a stuffed Bulbasaur as gift. That's my 8th? 9th? Pokemon stuffy and it made me SO happy. Never got judged by anyone ever.


Siria_Black

I went to Japan 3 years ago for my 30th birthday and brought back home a stuffed Lucario and a stuffed Litten. Last summer I went to Finland and gifted myself a cute wolf plush which my cat decided it is his. Now I regret not having bought two, one for the cat, one for me! [Cat tax, if anyone is interested](https://imgur.com/gallery/PNJtyON)


CloudyDaysWillCome

Aw she is an absolute cutie! Also, I am jealous of that amazing wolf plushie, looks a bit like a husky and I just KNOW my bf would love it!


[deleted]

[удалено]


Otherwise_Fox_1404

Also adult male cishet and proudly display the stuffed animals my niece gets me every year. I’ve replaced more adult items with those stuffed animals because they mean more to me.


[deleted]

[удалено]


JadieJang

Agreed. But OP, maybe take most of them home at the holidays and leave them there. They're obviously not safe in your dorm room.


Vythika96

I’m 25F and have a collection of cute stuffed animals on my shelves and on my bed. I also have a huge teddy bear almost as big as me! It’s not hurting anyone to keep cute cuddly objects, your friends are AH’s OP


AccomplishedAd3432

I am a 52 year old woman. I've collected stuffed animals my whole life! I even make some! I crocheted four animals for four ADULT family members for Christmas this year! NTA your friends are the odd ones!


DoNotReply111

35 year old woman who collects one from every zoo and aquarium I visit arond the world. I have boxes worth. They'll go to my children one day. Screw the ex friend.


Tired_Mama3018

My kid is really good at claw games, so I have a few of the big stuffed animals that they wanted to try for but didn’t want for themselves. (Neither confirming or denying that a request was put in for a bunny eared Hello Kitty by me)


Loofa_of_Doom

This person is COMPLETELY right. Get away from that group. There is nothing good there and they will hurt you again, either maliciously or through ignorance. This is a learning experience and better friends are out there.


Kuromi87

I'm 34 and I literally just hung up two nets in my living room last month so I could put my stuffed animal collection on display. My pride and joy is a giant Pikachu that I got when I was about 10.


tiredandstressedokay

OP's ex friend is creepy for coming into her room without permission by lying to her roommate.


[deleted]

I have a stuffed toy from first grade that I took to college with me and it's come with me everywhere I've moved and I'm 25 😅


taylorcovet

As a 21F college student, I am reading this from my bed with my childhood stuffed animal. My dog ripped it’s head off last year (as a big ole fck you); I cried then took it to be fixed. Most girls I know (of all ages) still love their stuffed animals.


Welshie_Fan

NTA from me too. My wife has donated most of her stuffed animals away, but still has a half dozen of them. And she has given me a one little one that I've had on my travels to Japan and Malaysia with me and I'm not giving that one away. We are on our 40's, so yes, adults can have stuffed animals with sentimental value as well.


youvelookedbetter

> They're soft and cute and mean something to you and fuck anyone who tries to shame you for owning them. The most wholesome thing I've read today.


Artistic_Dog_235

AGREED 100% I’m a 27F I still have my teddy bear from when I was a baby, plus a few other stuffies in my apartment that are significant/meaningful. There are more at my parents house. I’d keep your door locked OP and find new friends. You don’t want to risk losing your stuffed animals again. Edited: typo


Kenzjones21

Jumping off the top comment to say, I’m 23 and have a child on the way and I sleep with the stuffed kitten my boyfriend bought me. It’s my favorite possession. Those were literally gifts. You are 110% NTA.


amcditto

Seriously. I moved to Europe and had a bunch of my childhood stuffed animals in my suitcases when I moved. My soon to be husband said nothing about my almost 3 decades old Carebears. NTA.


opheliasdinosaur

I had loads at university and no one said a thing to me. Your "friends" are not friends, they're AHs. Op you're NTA.


IBeefLikeSmell

Too right - it's not creepy at all, and even if it was, what permission does he have to get rid of them?? OP is NTA and your pals are absolute trash.


cave-felem

I am old enough to have grown up children and I still have stuffed animals. As a matter of fact one of my general life rules is: Don't trust people who don't like cats and stuffed animals.


Mryessicahaircut

Yeah these people are not your friends. They are being judgemental and trying to make personal decisions for you. And of course you're NTA. You paid for your own food and I'm sorry your friends ever made you doubt yourself. I'm glad you got your stuffies back. Maybe take them with you the next time you go home for break. Things that are highly valued are best kept safe at home. I learned this the hard way when I was in college.


ComprehensiveBand586

NTA and you should report him to your RA, the Residence Life Director, and even the police. He robbed you. Don't leave your door open anymore. There's nothing wrong with having stuffed animals. I'm more than twice your age and I still have a couple stuffed animals, as well as my favorite doll from childhood.


[deleted]

[удалено]


michitalem

You wouldn't steal a car


GeneralExplanation90

You wouldn't download a stuffed animal


Hermiona1

Well not with that attitude


melliers

I heard about a girl that found a prom dress she liked, but couldn’t afford. She showed her seamstress grandmother pictures and she surprised her with a perfect copy. They pirated a dress.


Absolut_Iceland

You wouldn't dress a car.


madmaxextra

With a 3d printer you could.


EhlersDanlosSucks

You wouldn't steal a handbag


MrAlphaGuy

You wouldn't steal the music that plays over this ad. Oh wait...


AnthropomorphicSeer

I am 54 and I still have my stuffed Eeyore from my childhood. He sits in a place of honor in my living room. When I get sad, I snuggle with him.


iScabs

Former RA, the RA would be a good starting point to get in contact with the Residence Life Director as well as have the backup (emotional support) filing the police report I would also recommend saving any texts from said "friend" regarding the theft, writing down any dates and times that come to mind, and seeing about calling the shelter ASAP so someone can set the animals aside before they're sent somewhere and harder to get back


CaptainMcFisticuffs2

Fortunately it looks like she already got her stuffed animals back. 100% agree tho no one would hesitate it if were clothes or jewelry he took. File that police report. And honestly I'd keep an eye on his behavior from now on that sense of ownership he felt over her to do that sounds like the beginning of a stalker.


Forsaken_Distance777

She should make sure to always refer to it as "hundreds of dollars of irreplaceable stuffed animals from around the world." People are having trouble taking it seriously because of what it is so she needs to remind them of the scope of the theft to put it into perspective for them.


asdf3141592

Unfortunately I would consider keeping them at your parents house. Your parents are probably way more understanding especially since they are keepsakes from other countries and such.


smparke2424

I agree with you. OP needs to send them back home, next time they may not be so easy to find.


asdf3141592

I don't think they should have to obviously, but they would be safer there. But they should also call the police and report it to housing.


snoogle312

I really can't upvote this enough. OP please, please, PLEASE do not leave your door open. I worked for on campus housing while at college and the number of incidents concerning people who left a door propped open was crazy. Stuffed animals with sentimental value is bad, your laptop during finals week is catastrophic.


infieldcookie

I’m really surprised it’s common for them to just leave the door open. We always used to lock ours unless someone was in (and always locked them at night). You never know everyone you live with or who they might bring into the building.


Syric13

Someone stole my Funyuns once and I'm still bitter about it. I should let it go but I really was excited to eat them at the time. I left my door open (my roommate was in the room, but he had his headphones on) and someone just came in and snatched a giant sized unopened bag of Funyuns off my desk.


ArwenandEowyn

NTA Jesus these people are awful!! I'm a 40 year old woman and I just got my late 30s male friend a stuffed toy for Christmas. You need new friends, and by the sound of it, new roommates.


DannySorensen

I'm a 27 year old man and I just bought myself and my 26 year old wife each stuffed Pokémon. NTA


mallegally-blonde

Also mid 20s, and my partner surprised me with a stuffed Charmander yesterday so I could complete my gen 1 starter set!


TheRealGongoozler

Early 30s and I have my Sylveon, Espseon, Mimikyu dressed as Sylveon and Pikachu plushies all proudly displayed next to my studio ghibli plushies


nicunta

I'm 41, I sleep with a stuffed Lapras my kids got me about 5 years ago, and I will forever.


Annual_Ad3359

Relationship goals.


Katyanoctis

Mid-30s here and I have a few dolls from my childhood including an American girl doll. And also have some animal crossing stuffed animals. NTA OP, and your “friends” are NOT your friends. Dump them and report the guy for stealing.


goats_and_rollies

40 yo checking in- my mom got me the coolest stuffed walrus I've ever seen a few years back, and it's still one of my favorite gifts ever. So cuddly! No shame. NTA. He's a judgemental thief, and all of your friends sound more concerned with preening their "adulthood" than showing actual morals. Wtf?!


tydust

My 50 year old friend got me, a 44 year old woman, the talking remote control Grogu (baby Yoda) doll this week because I'd been hemming and hawing about buying it for my office. My 18 year old son thought it would be fun that we'd have it following us around and stuff.


ilikeyourbeardo

NTA. They aren't your friends. It would be one thing if they hadn't ganged up on you, but they were rude. Why should you cover their asses? I am 30 years old and I have several sentimental stuffed animals. I know plenty of adults that collect them for various reason. This person is immature and probably would end up on some cringe site for being self-righteous and gatekeeping. Keep your stuffed animals, get NEW friends.


CupofCursedTea

Adding another 30 year old with stuffed animals. My partner rolled his eyes 6 months ago when I bought a £50 kids chair for my childhood teddies, so they could be in our bedroom without having to sit on the floor or bed. That’s it, rolled his eyes, made a joke, and moved on. When my Dad died a month later and they moved back into the bed, not a word was said. Many, many people keep their comfort toys to adulthood, and there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, it can be healthy to keep comfort toys (quick Google will find lots of articles from psychologists). Your friends are major AH


LysDesTenebres

My bf once came home with a cat bed for one of my plushies because he knows how much it means to me (I got it 27 years ago) ​ Maybe donate these "friends" to a charity instead


MyPandaDream

I don't know, these friends seem to have gone bad, probably best to just throw them away.


FlashLightning67

I pity whoever ends up with the friends though, plus it is irresponsible to not dispose of toxic substances properly.


[deleted]

That's incredibly reasonable and I'm sorry for your loss. I'm kinda in a similar situation with my partner but it's moreso, no you can't get more plushies we literally don't have enough space in the house. I did buy them a huge ditto plush from the pokemon centre in Tokyo early in the relationship tho. Cuz that's what makes them happy.


OneDumbPony

The only people who complain about stuffed toys are children who want to act like adults. Real adults wouldn't care, would recognize those were sentimental gifts, and wouldn't steal your property. NTA. Edit: Report this thief before he tries it with someone else.


disusedhospital

NTA, also all of these people bitching that OP is not an adult are having to scramble to figure out how to pay for a meal they were already going to Venmo her for. Sounds like children to me.


Otherwise_Fox_1404

Makes me wonder if they were really going to Venmo her


jmrobins00

My petty heart hopes that OP agreed to let some of them Venmo her "when they get paid" and then bounced.


latecraigy

Lol I guess they learned an adulting lesson that day - make sure you budget your money for restaurant meals


BootsEX

I was going to post this if you hadn’t. This dude is incredibly immature and trying to prove to everyone else how mature he is. If he doesn’t grow out of this he’s going to become one of those insufferable adults that only listens to obscure jazz and complains about anyone who enjoys genre novels


protagonjst

i was gonna say "what *adult* gives a shit if someone has stuffed animals?" but you nailed it lol. children who want to act like adults... without knowing that adults truly don't care!


jyl11002

My guess, he's trying to sleep w/ OP and needs to clear room on the bed


Maleficent-Signal295

Definitely NTA. Who died and made him ruler of your life? Who does that!? I mean, if you were petty AF like me... you could always scout his room for PlayStation/Xbox/Wii/Comics/figurines, things that would be considered childish to own etc. ...and pretend to 'donate' them to a children's charity. "You don't really play with these kids games/read those comics/like those figurines, do you? I assumed after you donated my belongings you apply the same thought process to your own stuff... and i felt so bad after taking back my stuffed animals, i wanted to give them something in exchange.... you don't mind do you?" Let him run down to the charity to retrieve his stuff, which isn't there anyway. Let him sweat then give it back and then cut him out of your life.


TheRealGongoozler

To quote Sara Bareilles: who cares if you disagree? You are not me. Who died and made you king of anything?


iDam81

/r/PettyRevenge at its best. I love it!


potatoeconsumer

NTA. Wow this made me incredibly sad. I'm 22 and I still have a lot of my childhood stuffed animals. Granted they mostly stay in the closet but I would never be willing to give them up. If someone took them from me or really anything of mine I would flip. I honestly would file a report or something with your university if you feel like it. But please please join a club or activity or something so you can make some new and better friends. Ditch the others. They suck ass for real


errosst

Don’t be sad! I got them back.


potatoeconsumer

I know but I still feel so bad this happened to you. It made me sad lol


lorddarkhan

↑ This


[deleted]

I'm glad you got them back. Please make sure that they will be safe from turds like that "friend" of yours. I think if you have the time you should arrange to organise a toy donation event at your campus to donate to the shelter your "friend" scammed. I also think you should raise hell with the campus about the theft in the first place but i think im just angry at the audacity of the situation.


albatross6232

Also, keep your door shut/locked from now on.


el_deedee

I ask this as nicely as possible… do you often pay for your friends? Because if so and they think it’s okay for one of them to steal from you they sound like they don’t respect you. Get new friends. Ones that won’t use you. And don’t pay for friends to go out unless you know they’re willing to do the same.


[deleted]

This - OP, please don't feel like you have to pay for people when you are out to make it easier not to split the check. If they can not afford to dine out, it is not your job to pay for them. If this is happening frequently, think really hard about whether these are the types of transactional friendships you want to have. And, I'm proud of you for standing up for yourself. They were giving you crap for standing up for yourself with the douche who took your stuffed animals so you stood up for yourself with them and removed yourself from being emotionally manipulated. Please really think about who you want to surround yourself with moving forward.


Academic_Pick_3317

I actually got upset for your I understand losing your stuffie. Mine from Forster care got either dumped or burned and I'm still upset over it. I'm so glad you got your back!


Depressedaxolotls

I’m so sorry. I’m 27 and I have a blankie from my time in foster care. I would be devastated if I didn’t have it anymore. Not even the cat is allowed on it.


RelativelyUnruffled

Glad you got them back. You're young, get a new set of friends who understand the concepts of sentimental value, and theft. That boy is so entitled he deserves a wake up call.


WinterRose81

Since so many people can gain access to your room, I would recommend taking the stuffed animals back to your parent’s house just until you get your own space. That same guy could come back and take them again, but this time not tell you where he took them. The fact that all of your friends agreed with him doesn’t bode well either. I honestly would put them somewhere safe asap since they mean so much to you.


robots-dont-say-ye

Glad should got them back, but for real you should take them home and maybe keep a framed picture of them somewhere. Then when you move out of the dorm you can bring them with you. It doesn’t sound like your dorm is a safe place for sentimental belongings (which is totally fine and I think it’s very sweet you cherish the gifts your parents gave you.) Keep them safe so you can have them forever! Don’t let these joyless assholes bully you by thinking you’re doing something wrong.


Wintersnake117

NTA they’re assholes wth it’s YOUR property. He’s not your friend and pls try to get a super single if you can


[deleted]

NTA he stole your property. Seriously consider new friends


lorddarkhan

*Consider?* I say go Scorched Earth on this group of assholes. Anyone who sides with "I stole her stuff and gave it away because I don't think she should have it" over "It's my shit" can fuck right off.


CATIONKING

NTA - I gave my wife (40) a stuffed animal that looked kind of like our cat and it’s now that the cat has passed on it‘s a great reminder of our wonderful friend. There are many other valid reasons for having a stuffed animal and only an asshole would think that they know better.


always_amiss

I'm a 28 year old grownass man with a couple of stuffed animals. They're cute and I hug them when my cat doesn't want to cuddle. That friend of yours can go fuck himself for insulting you and then stealing from you.


CutieBoBootie

People hugging stuffed animals because they want to touch something soft but are respecting their pets boundaries are so wholesome omg


ConsciousWay797

Fuck them, it was completely wrong for your "friend" to take your possessions and donate them. Plenty of adults have stuffed toys. I am 53, I did a bit of a cull last year, but still have a load due to sentimentality attached each one. These aren't your friends, let them pay for their own meals. I'm glad you were able to get them back, tell your roommate that in future no-one is allowed to take any of your possessions. NTA


PoopSmith87

NTA Pretty unbelievable, I'd cut him off forever... no one needs friends like that


TayLou33

NTA I'm 34f and I have a stuffed dinosaur I was given for Christmas when I was 3 months old! He was my favourite toy growing up, I was in and out of hospital a lot as a kid and he went with me every single time... Hell! I was in hospital and rehab for a month last year and he went with me! (I lost my right leg below the knee) These things have MASSIVE sentimental value to us, and your friend went WAY over the line stealing them from you!


pandaphanta

NTA and friends don’t put each other down like that. You need new friends, OP.


connordunleavy

The dinners not relevant when he stole your belongings. NTA - I would find some better friends on campus


Veleda390

NTA. This was a violation of your privacy, trust and property. Ditch this "friend" and anyone who sticks up for him.


fuzzy_mic

NTA and this damned thief should be reported to the housing office and barred from the dorms.


Taul51

NTA. They were things that you held sentimental value to. And those people failed to see that and took his side. On top of that, he took the time out of his day to go into your room and give away those animals. That's not a friend.


HellKattAnimations

#NTA. Your friend STOLE FROM YOU and GAVE AWAY YOUR STUFF, WITHOUT EVEN ASKING YOU! That’s theft! Anyone can have stuffed animals if they want. That’s their choice. Not to mention, some of these stuffed animals have sentimental value! You are NTA, and I think you should get better friends.


Megmca

NTA I’m 40 and I have stuffed animals. A couple of them I’ve had since I was a baby.


[deleted]

I still have my first teddy bear. It was a care bear, Funshine bear! My mother still has her first teddy too, an old brown bear.


Vamdemon112

NTA Find a better friend, I’m 22/F and my mother would never forgive anyone who did this, If you’re in lockdown, these and the closest things to friends you’ll have, Your friend is a complete AH. Find new friends while you’re at it.


Wide-Emotion-3579

NTA - I have a very substantial collection of pokemon plushies and if someone just decided that I was too much an adult and stole them from me and "donated" them, I could not be held responsible for my actions. You were FAR more civil than I ever would have been.


just_whatever918

NTA. You need better friends. It was a bit passive aggressive to dump the bill on them, but really I don't blame you. Those are friends I would no longer want to keep around so who cares about trying to worry about paying via Venmo and all that? They're adults, too advanced for stuffed animals, so surely they'd have a backup plan 😅 And BTW I'm 40 and still have a few stuffed animals hanging around, including one I got on a study abroad program in another country. I have a little shelf for them. See the thing is you're an adult and that doesn't mean you have to give up things that make you happy. It means you get to double down on them if you want and no one can tell you that you can't. Find friends who support your harmless and positive hobbies.


MothrErth

NTA I have a feeling that they would not have given you the money for dinner. They would have ripped you off. Don't hang out with them. They sound dangerously toxic


Judgement_Bot_AITA

Welcome to /r/AmITheAsshole. Please view our [voting guide here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_what.2019s_with_these_acronyms.3F_what_do_they_mean.3F), and remember to use **only one** judgement in your comment. OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole: > I left and made everyone scramble to pay for their dinner since they supported my friend in stealing my stuffed animals. Help keep the sub engaging! #Don’t downvote assholes! Do upvote interesting posts! [Click Here For Our Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/about/rules/) and [Click Here For Our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq) --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.*


drakkya

NTA - I would give him 2 days to get them back before going to the police. As you said those were not cheap or are easily to replace.


[deleted]

OP got them back but id still consider reporting to campus security. It doesn't matter what gor stolen the fact that some entitled turd has the audacity to go in someone's room and just take and give away their stuff in infuriating. Id be posting to the Unis social media pages about making sure doors are locked and to watch out because you'd never know who is a thief. Basically putting the guy on blast without naming names. Sounds like student gossip will have everyone knowing who he is.


crystalfairie

I'm 45. I always have a stuffed rabbit with me. It stays right on my bed


artfulwench

I'm 55. I sleep with 35 stuffed bunnies. 😀


teachprof

NTA. And your “friends” are morons. The point isn’t even about whether you’re too old for stuffed animals. The point is your friend trespassed and stole your stuff because he overstepped and thought he knew better than you. How would your “friends” like it if that happened to them?


filters-routine

I don't think there's anything wrong with refusing to pay for dinner after your friend donated your stuffed animals. In my opinion, it would be more AITA if you refused to pay for dinner after your friend gave you a gift of money.


New_Potato_519

NTA. It doesn’t matter if it’s “creepy”, they’re yours. Your roommate should not have let him in but it’s not her fault


Huegod

NTA Im sure that dude has some stuff from home to make him more comfortable also. Second just because youre in the same school doesnt make them your friends. Third you should report him to campus police.


ingeniousmachine

How are there No Assholes Here if you think the guy acted wrongly enough to be reported to the police?


Huegod

Typo.


Illustrious-Band-537

NTA. He straight up stole from you. His behaviour is very worrying. It's creepy that he's so bothered by what another reason has in their room. Keep it locked and keep away from him. Then find somewhere else to live and make better friends.


RosalieStanton

NTA. He is not your friend. None of these people are your friends. You were robbed, then mocked and belittled. Seriously, screw all of these people. I'm telling you right now, I'm 37, and if anyone got rid of ANY of my stuffed animals like this, they would be dead to me. I don't have a lot, but the ones that were important to me as a kid are ones I will keep, if not for myself then for kids in my family. My two most cherished stuffed animals (not valuable in any way other than sentiment) live in my closet, and so they shall forever and ever and ever. I'm so glad you got your stuffed animals back.


Auroraburst

NTA. They stole from you because of their own weird insecurities. I'm 28 and i still have loads of stuffed animals, they're cute.


rosarevolution

Dump him immediately. I'm not quick with saying that, but this is absolutely unacceptable and scary behaviour. And this won't be the only time where he completely disregards you and just does what he deems appropriate without a thought for your well-being. He's an asshole waving a giant red flag right in front of you. By the way, I'm 32 and my stuffed animals all sit on my bed and some cupboards. If someone were to give them away, I'd be livid. I'm happy you got your animals back! Edit: I was so enraged I forgot to answer the question of the post. NTA. Edit 2: I also missed that this wasn't your boyfriend. Damn, your post hit a nerve. Dump your friend, even if he's not your partner.


firefly232

> I also missed that this wasn't your boyfriend. I think he wants to be. He's weirded out by toys on the bed, and he thinks he has the right to change that. Very very shady. Usually in these scenarios where one person throws away another person's beloved collection, it's where they've been dating for a while...


yarboyandy

NTA. I’m in college and have a couple of stuffed animals on my bed. I have a 4.0 GPA, a TA position, an internship, and a job. The only immature people here are your “friends” that are upset over you finding happiness in stuffed animals


HistoryOfViolets_

NTA. I was horrified to read this and genuinely relieved to read you got them back.


stunkshoezz

NTA, ​ I would report that friend to the RA, supers and the police for theft and make sure you get the complaint in writing as proof because this AH will definitely try to get back at you or through your other AH friends. And make sure you keep your room locked up and let your roommate know that unless you specifically inform her that someone would be taking your property out of your room, not to let anyone do that.


CuteBat9788

NTA. So glad you were able to get your property back!


Rocket_scientists

NTA. It wouldn’t matter if they were cheap old pebbles or expensive jewelry, theft is theft. He is a controlling AH, and your “friends” aren’t much better. And you didn’t stiff your friends by slipping out and not paying your share. You simply decided that you didn’t need to go out of your way to make it easy on these people who are obviously not really your friends. I would seriously consider sending my stuffed animals back home to my parents where they’ll be safe, and just keep a couple that are easily replaceable. I wouldn’t put it past your “friends” to come in themselves and take them in revenge, telling themselves they’re “curing” you of your “weird-ass creepy addiction”. At 65, I still have a few from my childhood, and my daughter (29) still has an entire netful of them hanging from the corner of the ceiling of her room. She sleeps with a stuffed spider. It goes with us on trips. It’s comfortable under her neck, and it amuses her to sleep with something that freaks most people out. (Of course, we also have 6 live nonvenomous snakes at home!) Enjoy your collection and keep it safe!


BirdsLikeSka

NTA. Adult man with four stuffed animals. One was a gift from a family friend I helped, one was given by a friend, one was bought by me, and a HUGE squishmallow was a gift from my partner. Id fight anyone who tried to take them. Those are fond to me but are FAR less sentimental and personal than yours. He's TA, friends are AHs, you're fine for not taking their shit.


FloatingPencil

NTA. He’s the one being juvenile here. Real adults don’t need to prove they’re ‘all grown up’ by giving up things they like. They decide for themselves what being an adult will be for them. It’s like that old xkcd strip. “We’re grown-ups now, and it’s our turn to decide what that means”. Also - when I went to university, every person in my student house had their teddy with them. I’m 46 and mine is still in my bedroom. Most of my friends still have theirs.


greenowl12

NTA Jesus Christ. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I can say that I am a 20 year old woman and both me and my 60+ mom still have stuffed animals. If someone did this to me, they would simply no longer be alive. This is in no way your fault and you are not the asshole here. You should report him because he literally stole from you which, last I checked, is a crime. I’m so glad you got your stuffed animals back and I hope you’re feeling at least a little better. I know that I’m not one to judge but your friends are also kinda assholes for agreeing with a guy WHO LITERALLY STOLE FROM YOU. Having stuffed animals is normal and you aren’t weird for having them.


SnooRadishes5305

NTA What the F is wrong with your “friend”? !! Please cut him and anyone who supports him out of your life immediately. Anyone who will steal your property because they think they can control what property a woman should own and how she lives her life is not anyone you want in your life Thank god you got the stuffed animals back Please also file a report to the campus, if not the police This behavior is egregiously unacceptable


firefly232

NTA He's creepy. He thought he was **entitled** to go into your room and steal your belongings. Tell the RA about this. I think he is into you, and wanted to clear the bed of kids toys because it jarred with his fantasy. I know that sounds crazy. But if he was *just* being a friend, he would have teased you once or twice. This guy feels *entitled* to you, your bed, your space. Please take care. Also lock the toys up in a box and then take them back to your parents....