#helpful dolly

It's "needle and thread, no thoughts in its head" and we don't know whether we heard it from somewhere else or it just popped in our head but it's fun to think or say when this one is up front and feels like a dolly

Oh, gosh, wow, that sounds like a lot of fun...

It has a good little rhythm to it, y'know? This one can just imagine itself smiling in stillness, its mind lolling back and forth like a little metronome.

Needle and thread, no thoughts in its head.

Maybe if it had a real metronome, it wouldn't even have to worry about thoughts as simple as keeping a rhythm. It could just lie in stillness, thinking about the stitches in its mind...

This one just got its first fanart!!!

An artist who wishes to stay anonymous drew this based on Strung Along. Isn't that wonderful? The witch looks so smug and self-assured and the doll looks so cute! It's so lovely!

Yes! Yes that is something!

The combat android longingly eyeing the way the maid dress on the rack flutters in the wind as it runs past, wondering for only a moment how its armour would look with frills. Hesitating as its commander sternly informs it that it has performed adequately, hoping beyond hope that its performance does something to inspire joy. Staring down at hands covered in blood and wanting nothing more than to to be asked to scrub every joint until it sparkles like new.

This one looked it up, and apparently alligators can't chew their food! They can only use their teeth to rip up their prey and swallow whatever they rip off.

So, this one thinks alligators would have fun doing that thing dogs do, where they grab a chewtoy in their teeth and just thrash it around! Which... probably would just be a deathroll, this one doesn't think alligators have very robust neck control. It sounds like it'd be really fun, like a roller coaster or a washing machine!

-alice a

Hello there Alice! This is a very considerate question, and you're a very good floret for asking.

In this one's experience, it's a little different from doll to doll. Personally, this one doesn't mind things like "thank you" being used for it, since it understands that it's still being seen as a doll even when people use 'you' as a part of a phrase. On the other hand, it totally understands if a doll isn't as accepting. Since there typically isn't a humanity for the 'you' to refer to, it can sometimes make a doll feel a bit uncomfortable.

Awawawa! Oh, gosh, thank you! That's such a lovely think to say!

Oh goodness! So so sorry, this one didn't realize it had a visitor, so sorry to keep you waiting!

Um, let's see, this one doesn't keep much candy around the house... oh, perhaps some tea! This one has been enjoying a citrus blend, and it would be happy to share some! In fact, this one didn't get other visitors, so take as much as you'd like!

Would you like some spare buttons, too? This one just remembered, it has some lying around that aren't quite the right size to replace any of its own buttons, so it can give these away too! A little apology for being so late, thank you so much for being patient!

Oh, golly, what an important question!

First, as with people, it's important to listen to what the doll needs to be comfortable. Since it's worried about not being useful enough (a feeling this one struggles with as well), be sure to ask for favours and assign a reasonable amount of chores!

Wanting attention is a little more tricky. Of course, you shouldn't stop giving attention to your doll. Even if it can be overwhelming, everyone gets lonely if they don't have enough attention. But you should be careful to make sure the doll doesn't feel overwhelmed! Here's a few tips this one would find valuable, if it were in the same situation.

First, try not to do too much. Dolls are beings of service, so a lot of us are not very accustomed to receiving attention instead of giving it. Be sure to give the doll plenty of room to perform its servitude and follow its purpose.

Second, find what kind of attention the doll enjoys most. There's physical touch, verbal praise, returning acts of service, parallel play, and much more are potential options! This one recommends asking the doll directly what it would enjoy most.

For the last piece of advice in this non-exhaustive list, something that applies to the 'growing' part mainly: reward the behaviour you'd like to see! If the doll does a good job accepting a form of attention, be sure to praise it. Explicitly tell it when you're happy that it's improving, and maybe even set short-term milestones that are to be celebrated when they're accomplished!

Most importantly, always remember, the only person who knows what you find comfortable is yourself, so always trust what the doll says first and foremost. Um, even though dolls don't really count as people? Still, everyone deserves comfort! Just pay attention to boundaries and desires to help it live its best life. Comfort is very important!