When loneliness takes hold, people find comfort in the most unexpected places. For one Australian man, it came in the form of a lifelike doll named Karina.

After two years without human touch during Covid lockdowns, Rod, a carpenter from rural New South Wales, says his world felt empty. “I just wanted something to care for,” he admitted. So in 2021, he spent $3,000 on a synthetic companion — and, to his surprise, it helped heal his heart. “It was nice,” he said softly. “I felt needed again.”

But when Rod’s long-distance girlfriend found out, emotions ran high. “She didn’t understand,” he said. “The first thing she felt was threatened.” Over time, though, she saw how much Karina had improved his mental health — and accepted the unusual bond.

Now, Rod shares photos of Karina online, where over 11,000 followers admire his artful portraits. He’s even turned his hobby into a job, photographing dolls for a Chinese manufacturer — with his real-life partner supporting him along the way.

His story is unconventional, but it carries a quiet truth: love and comfort don’t always look the way we expect — yet they can still heal a lonely heart. 💬