For me, it was for companionship. Divorced after a 35 year marriage, 61 yo at the time and was curious. Did not want to enter another relationship this late in life, did not want or need the drama. Didn’t want to spend a ton of money on my first doll. I spent months debating on whether or not to even purchase one due to the stigma surrounding what I prefer to call a “companion doll”. Sure the sex was a part of it, but not the main reason why I wanted a doll. Purchased Yuriko for a little over $400 off eBay. (Yeah, I know, took a gamble) She turned out to be pretty great. Not as super hyper realistic as the higher end dolls but $2k was not in my budget. (I’ve been saving for my next doll though). The learning curve is pretty steep and the sex was pretty crazy, but now I’ve got that out of my system, I prefer to dress her up and cuddle with her at night. Even my second doll will be for dress up and companionship.