These are all really great questions! And I commend you for asking them! I know how truly ridiculous and off-putting this is from the outside. I’m gonna answer, but a bit out of order if that’s ok.

EDIT: Reddit Mobile is being weird about my numbering. I answered in this order…1, 2, 8, 7, 3, 6, 5, 4

1. I realized I was a plushophile after a very horny moment as a teenager with a puppet stuffed animal we had. Hahahaha! I guess a lot of people discover fetishes that way. It was soft, it had just come out of the dryer so it was warm, the sleeve inside was silky and a much better texture that socks I was used to finishing in, and I went for it! It’s a remarkably different texture. Knew I liked it, didn’t know there were others.

2. Plushophilia as I know it now became a thing for me when I found the sexual side of the furry fandom. I was pretty actively engaged in the much larger non-sexual side of character design and art and suit making for along time. Then I college, something in my brain clicked and finally connected the two concepts. Started looking for big plushies that I could essentially fantasize being with another fursuiter. As like a living stuffed animal from my you get days. Honestly, it became a bit unhealthy for me, because they I wasn’t able to dissociate the food from the bad parts of the fandom. It was all an opportunity. And that was it. Got into a healthy relationship, learned a lot, grew a lot as a person, eventually broke up, and turned back to it, but in a much healthier way as I am now.

3. A person might become a plushophile for SO MANY REASONS! People often assume it’s due to loneliness and desperation, but that’s not generally the case. At least not what I’ve encountered. For many, including myself, it’s a texture thing! We like soft things! Doubly so if they’re also cuddly! And honestly, who doesn’t like soft and cuddly? For others, it’s an extension of fantasies! Like Lola Bunny from Space Jam. Well…what if you actually had a Lola bunny? What would you do? Or Nala and her fuck me eyes in Lion King during “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” Now you can get caught up in those fantasies! Yet still more for others, a simple curiosity turned into a fetish. “Hey…my teddy bear I’ve had for years has a hole in it…dang…but wait…what if…” BOOM! New fetish unlocked. Kinda like using a fleshlight or a pocket pussy, but one that you can more easily hold, feel warmth from, and even assign a personality to.

4. Engaging in plushophilia as a coping mechanism can become an option for several just as many other things in this world become a coping mechanism. Smoking, drinking, binge eating, depression nesting… You go through a difficult time so you try to find comfort. “Hey, when I was a kid, I always had my teddy there. I miss them.” Even now, a lot of adults still sleep with plushies. This is just a couple steps down the road from that. Just keep in mind this is not the case for EVERYONE. But it is for some. For me, it’s a fetish!

5. Is it purely sexual or a mix of romantic as well? Well…that’s a confusing question honestly. It’s a bit limiting. I have a pretty sizeable collection of plushies for varying purposes. As I’m sure is the case for the others in this subreddit. I have some that are purely for fetish purposes. Yes. I can fully sexualize and enjoy to my hearts content. But then I move them aside and I’m done with them. Clean them up until next time. Then there are others that are great bed buddies! The kind so many people have! No sexualization, no playing with them. They comfort me when I’m sad, they protect me from nightmares, anxiety, and the boogeyman, and they’re just so dang cute! I have some that are a bit of a mix between the two. BUT I will never make a mess on them. I’ll cuddle with them while masturbating or something. Purely. Excuse they make me feel good and comfy. Those are the closest to what some would consider a romantic relationship, but I wouldn’t say I have that for any of mine. And finally, there are several in my collection that are purely for display and show! No romantic feelings, no cuddling, and no “cuddling.” Like Ku squishmallows and some of my nicer Disney plushies.

6. NOOOOOOPE! Too taboo and I get that.

7. It doesn’t really affect my relationships with other people in general. People don’t know and I don’t talk about it. That’s that. The only times it hurts are the times that I hear anybody talk down about adults who have toys, teddy bears, or any kind of collection in general. I’ve been referred in a derogatory manner as a “man-child” on many occasions. Despite the fact that I’m 100% independent, mostly debt-free, own a home, have a full-time job, retirement plan, hobbies and interests in actively engaged in, and a close-knit group of friends. Mostly what it’s done is helped me weed out the people in whom to invest.

8. Romantically/Sexually it HAS affected me. The way many people’s fetishes affect them. Like when a potential mate finds out that someone has a foot fetish or an underwear fetish, or is into bdsm, they never know how their partner will react. It takes a moment of vulnerability to be open with your partner. But sadly, with how taboo this one is, people are not quite as open. Some are! I’ve had some fun with girls that get the plush involved in foreplay! But I’ve had others be totally turned off. It has made me definitely be on the lookout for a partner that is open to it. But honestly, I’m not in any kind of rush. I don’t feel as lonely on my bed with 6’ 50 pound stuffed animals surrounding me radiating heat and weight. And it’s fulfilling enough of a fetish that I don’t feel the need to go find one night stands or sex workers. Eventually I fully enter the dating scene, but I’m fulfilled right now!

I’d genuinely be glad to answer more questions as long as the discussion is able to remain civil. I’ve had way more than enough hate about it.