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People Are Being Warned Not To Date Anyone Who Collects Labubus
People are being warned that they shouldn’t date anyone who collects Labubus.
The internet has a new dating red flag, and it’s surprisingly specific: Labubu collectors.
These quirky collectible toys, which have taken social media by storm and attracted celebrity fans like Kim Kardashian and Rihanna, are now being labeled as potential warning signs in the dating world.
Labubus are small, plush collectible toys created by illustrator Kasing Lung and produced by the Chinese company Pop Mart, per the Mirror.
These gremlin-like creatures feature pointy ears, sharp teeth, and furry bodies, combining cute and creepy in a way that’s proven irresistible to collectors worldwide.
Originally released as part of ‘The Monsters’ series in 2015, they’ve exploded in popularity recently, particularly on TikTok, where the hashtag has amassed over 1.2 million videos.
The toys are sold in ‘blind boxes,’ meaning buyers don’t know which design they’ll receive until opening the package.
This element of surprise has fueled a collecting frenzy, with some rare versions selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the resale market.
The controversy around Labubu collecting in dating reflects broader tensions about adult interests and authenticity in the digital age.
While critics focus on potential red flags, psychologists offer a different interpretation.
Chartered clinical psychologist Tracy King suggests that the rise of trinket culture, including Labubu collecting, represents a psychological response to modern life’s challenges.
For Generation Z, who face economic uncertainty and global crises, collecting these items provides a sense of joy and control that traditional milestones like homeownership may seem out of reach.
The trend also represents ‘inner child work,’ offering feelings of safety, care, and nostalgia that might have been missing earlier in life. Rather than immaturity, this could indicate healthy emotional processing and self-care.
As social media increasingly shapes how people express identity and belonging, what previous generations might have seen as childish hobbies are now recognized as legitimate forms of self-expression and community building.
The collecting phenomenon has also attracted conspiracy theories, with some claiming the dolls have demonic origins or supernatural properties.
There have been further issues in the world of Labubus, including warnings over buying fakes and wearing the toys as handbag accessories.
But according to relationship experts, some potential partners view Labubu collecting as a red flag for several reasons, Vice reports.
Here’s why…
Potential Immaturity
Dr. Mindy DeSeta of the Hily Dating app claims that the most common concern is that collecting what appears to be children’s toys suggests immaturity.
Dating app psychologist Dr. Mindy DeSeta notes that these items are often quickly labeled as ‘dolls,’ triggering subconscious judgments about a person’s maturity level and life priorities.
This can lead to hesitation about pursuing serious relationships, even when other aspects of compatibility seem promising.
“Our instincts still play a role in partner selection, and anything that hints at immaturity can become a subtle red flag,” she explains.
Trend Follower
Labubus gained popularity through TikTok trends and celebrity endorsements, leading some to view collectors as easily influenced by social media.
Critics worry that jumping on viral crazes might indicate someone who makes decisions based on what’s trending rather than personal values, raising questions about authenticity and independence.
DeSeta adds: “This can raise concerns about your authenticity and whether you’ll jump on every bandwagon that comes along.”
Bad With Money
The collectible nature of Labubus has created a secondary market where rare figures can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Some people even rent them for special occasions at premium prices.
This spending behavior can signal financial impulsiveness to potential partners, particularly those who prioritize financial stability and responsible money management.
“Financial habits are a big deal in dating, even early on,” DeSeta points out.
Superficiality
The culture around Labubu collecting often involves displaying rare finds and pairing them with designer accessories.
This can give off what some perceive as superficial or high-maintenance vibes, making dates question whether someone is genuinely interested in relationships or simply needs constant validation and luxury.
This could also lead dates to question whether they’ll be able to impress or even satisfy their potential partner – yikes.
Lack Of Free Time
Serious Labubu collectors often dedicate significant time and energy to acquiring new pieces, including waiting in long queues, refreshing websites during drops, and researching rare variants.
This level of commitment to a trend can raise questions about emotional availability and life priorities, too.
After all, a partner is likely looking for someone they can hang out with – and not just in the queue at Popmart!
@williamjwade It’s a no from me… #dating #style #labubu ♬ original sound – zay
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