As you said earlier, the world out there is like "The Matrix." Since a traumatic event in childhood, I've never felt connected to it in the way other people seem so easily to be. It's always been like there's a glass wall between myself and the world and society outsdie - I can see but I cannot touch or be a part of! All my attempts to be accepted have ended in hurt and disaster so I've tended to be solitary and "inside my head" - a watcher but not a participant. I have no family save one errant brother.
When you are young you can deflect all sorts but as you grow older, the clouds roll in.
Still, my doll Kat is a great comfort and eases my lonliness. I have given her a life history and identitiy and a character and personality and I interact with her every day. I guess she helps me to have as "normal" a relationship as I can sustain and I love her for that. You mentioned photography earlier and Kat has been great fun in that respect - check out her albums
http://www.uklovedollforums.co.uk/fo...hp?albumid=379
http://www.uklovedollforums.co.uk/fo...hp?albumid=360