People with Objects
Can an object feel special to you?
Some things — like a soft toy, a blanket, or a small keepsake — can help us feel safe.They stay with us when we are scared or worried.Even grown-ups keep objects that remind them of happy times or people they love. These objects show that comfort is not only a feeling —sometimes, we can hold it in our hands.
Federick H. Evans（British）
Barbara Evans and Phyllis the Doll
1900
IIn this gentle photograph, a girl named Barbara Evans holds her doll, Phyllis. She looks at the doll with great care.The soft light makes it feel like they are in their own quiet world. Even though the doll cannot move or speak, Barbara’s love makes it feel almost alive. To her, the doll is a real friend —someone who listens to her secrets and stays by her side without judging.
This shows how people can feel close to an object when they believe in it and care for it. It helps them feel less lonely. Just like Barbara had Phyllis, is there an object in your life that feels like a “constant friend”? Maybe it is a stuffed toy, an old book, or something special you brought from home.
Think about how it comforts you when you feel alone.
Jeanne E. Bennett
Longing Soul
1904
This photo shows a young woman holding a rosary. She looks at a cross on the wall. Her feeling of companionship comes from the objects around her, not from another person. The cross gives her quiet comfort and makes her feel supported.
As you look at this artwork, think about what helps you feel safe at university.
Is it an object you brought from home? A small habit or ritual that makes you feel calm? Expert say that people sometimes give meaning to objects to feel less alone. It might be a soft toy from childhood, or a special item you keep close. These objects stay with us quietly and help us feel okay.
