Dear Reverend,
My best friend had a stuffed doll that someone made for her when she was a kid. About 10 years ago, she asked me to hold on to it because it brought up bad memories. We never got into details, but I’ve had it ever since, and she’s never mentioned it. This may sound odd, but I don’t think the doll wants to be with me. Not that I think it’s bad luck; it just makes me feel a little weird. I don’t think my friend will want it back, but it seems wrong to just throw it away. What should I do with it?
Anna Belle (woman, 37)
Dear Anna Belle,
This isn’t a horror movie, so I’m sure the doll isn’t haunted or cursed. Since you were never told why it held bad memories, it’s no wonder you feel weird having it around. You’ve kept the doll for a decade, so you have more than fulfilled the favor for your friend. It’s time for the doll to move on.
The first thing you may want to do is talk to your friend. If you’re worried about bringing up unpleasant memories, don’t be. You don’t need to tell her the doll gives you the creeps. Just say you were sorting through some things to lighten your load, and her doll is part of that. Ask if she wants it back. If she doesn’t, you can find out if the person who made it is still around and would like to have it — or perhaps a relative of theirs. If neither of those things is possible, let your friend know you would like her blessing to pass the doll on to someone else by donating it.
Of course, by asking your friend what to do with the doll, you run the risk of her wanting you to hold on to it for longer. If you don’t feel like you could say no to that, I have another route for you to take.
Your pal hasn’t inquired about the doll in 10 years, and I don’t think she’s ever going to. So make it disappear in whatever way you can feel good about. Donate it. Burn it. Whatever. If she ever does ask about the doll, you can say you don’t know where it is and not be lying. If you need someone’s permission, you have mine.
Good luck and God bless,
The Reverend
This article appears in Jul 30 – Aug 5, 2025.
