Love takes many forms, and while most people experience romantic connections with other humans, some individuals develop deep emotional and even sexual attachments to inanimate objects. One such case is that of Michele Kobke, a German woman who was in a committed relationship with a Boeing 737-800 plane for nine years before recently announcing their breakup. Her story sheds light on the phenomenon of objectophilia, a condition where people form romantic or sexual bonds with objects rather than people.
A Decade-Long Love Story with an Airplane
Michele Kobke first fell for her beloved aircraft, whom she affectionately named Schatz (which means “darling” in German), in 2014. She was captivated by the plane’s structure—its wings, thrusters, and overall design. Over the years, she maintained a deep emotional bond with the aircraft, often expressing her desire to marry it. Despite the physical distance, she stayed connected to Schatz by collecting aircraft-related memorabilia, sleeping with plane components, and maintaining a strong psychological connection.
However, after nearly a decade, Kobke announced that their relationship had come to an end. She clarified that while they were no longer romantically involved, they remained “friends.” Following the breakup, she has moved on to new passions, including a fascination with medieval history and knight’s armor.
What is Objectophilia?
Objectophilia, sometimes referred to as object sexuality, describes a condition where individuals develop romantic, emotional, and often sexual connections with inanimate objects. While it may seem unusual to many, objectophiles experience feelings for objects much like others would for a romantic partner.
Unlike fetishism, which focuses on physical attraction to objects, objectophilia is rooted in emotional bonding. Some objectophiles even claim that their beloved objects reciprocate their feelings, attributing personalities and emotions to them.
Psychological and Neurological Perspectives
While objectophilia is not yet fully understood, researchers have linked it to a few psychological and neurological factors:
- Synesthesia: Some individuals with objectophilia report experiencing synesthesia, a condition where sensory experiences blend—such as associating objects with emotions or personalities.
- Autism Spectrum Disorders: Some objectophiles are on the autism spectrum, where a preference for predictable, stable relationships can make inanimate objects more appealing than human relationships, which are often more complex and unpredictable.
- Attachment and Trauma: Certain objectophiles have reported early experiences of isolation or difficulty forming social connections, leading them to seek comfort and attachment in objects.
Notable Cases of Objectophilia
While Kobke’s love story with Schatz is unique, she is far from the only person with this kind of attachment. Several other individuals have made headlines for their relationships with objects:
- Erika Eiffel: An American woman who famously “married” the Eiffel Tower in 2007 and has since become an advocate for the recognition of objectophilia as a legitimate orientation.
- Eija-Riitta Eklöf-Berliner-Mauer: A Swedish woman who married the Berlin Wall in 1979 and remained devoted to it until her passing.
- Nathaniel, a Car Enthusiast: Featured on the TV show My Strange Addiction, he has been in a romantic and physical relationship with his car, referring to it as his partner.
Breaking Up with an Object: What Happens Next?
Just like in human relationships, the end of an objectophilic relationship can bring about emotional shifts. In Kobke’s case, after parting ways with Schatz, she redirected her passions toward the Middle Ages, developing a newfound interest in collecting and wearing knight’s armor. She even sold much of her plane-related memorabilia to make space for her new collection, marking a significant transition in her life.
This suggests that while objectophilia is a deep emotional experience, it can evolve over time, just like conventional relationships.
A Broader Perspective on Love and Attachment
The idea of forming deep emotional bonds with objects may seem foreign to many, but it raises an important question: What defines love? While human-to-human relationships are the societal norm, love is ultimately about connection, comfort, and fulfillment. Whether it’s with a plane, a historical artifact, or another person, people find meaning in their attachments in different ways.
As psychology continues to explore and better understand objectophilia, society’s perception of relationships may evolve. Rather than dismissing these experiences as strange, perhaps we should see them as another testament to the vast spectrum of human emotion and attachment.
Conclusion
Michele Kobke’s story of love and loss with an airplane may seem unconventional, but it offers a window into the world of objectophilia—a phenomenon that is more complex and widespread than many realize. As she moves on from Schatz and embraces new interests, her journey reminds us that love, in all its forms, remains deeply personal and ever-evolving.