For nearly a decade, Michele Kobke, a German woman, captured global attention with her unique romantic relationship with a Boeing 737-800 airplane, which she lovingly named “Schatz,” meaning “darling” in German. This unconventional relationship, which lasted nine years, was part of a broader phenomenon known as objectophilia—a condition where individuals form romantic or s***** attachments to inanimate objects. Kobke’s bond with the plane was intense, intimate, and, to many, fascinating. But now, after nearly a decade, she has announced that the relationship has ended.
How It All Began
Michele Kobke first laid eyes on Schatz at Berlin Tegel Airport in 2014. From that moment, she felt an overwhelming attraction to the airplane’s features—its wings, winglets, and thrusters—igniting a deep romantic and s***** connection. Kobke’s feelings were far from fleeting; she developed a strong emotional attachment to the plane, so much so that she began to dream of marrying it.
“I sleep with my darling every night… intimacy is part of our relationship,” she once said, openly discussing the bond she shared with Schatz. Over the years, she collected pieces of the plane as keepsakes and even created a personal space where she could be close to the plane’s components, fostering the connection.
The Breakup
After nearly nine years, Kobke has confirmed that her relationship with Schatz has come to an end. Despite this, she maintains that they are still “friends.” The breakup may have marked the close of one chapter, but it didn’t leave any animosity behind. Kobke expressed no regret over the relationship, and in fact, she still looks back on it fondly. Her story demonstrates how deeply emotional and personal objectophilia can be, but it also highlights the possibility of moving on and finding new passions.
Understanding Objectophilia
Kobke’s experience is an example of objectophilia, a condition in which people form romantic, emotional, or s***** bonds with objects. Objectophilia differs from a fetish, as it is not simply about physical attraction to an object but involves a deep emotional connection that resembles human relationships. People who experience objectophilia may find comfort, companionship, and even love in these non-living entities.
In many cases, individuals with objectophilia form long-lasting relationships with objects, nurturing them in the same way people nurture human relationships. For some, these connections offer emotional support and stability. Kobke’s love for Schatz was not simply an odd fascination; it was a bond that brought her happiness, security, and intimacy for many years.
The Complexity of Objectophilia
Objectophilia, while unusual, is more complex than it might first appear. It is often associated with conditions such as synesthesia or autism, where individuals may have heightened sensory or emotional responses to objects. For some, objects offer a form of consistency and comfort that human relationships might not provide. This is particularly true for individuals who experience social difficulties or sensitivities, such as those on the autism spectrum.
Though research on objectophilia is still emerging, psychologists believe that these attachments can provide a sense of emotional stability. The relationships are not about mere fascination with an object’s form; they are about emotional fulfillment. Kobke’s relationship with Schatz is a perfect example of how objectophilia can go beyond the surface, providing meaningful connection and comfort.
Kobke’s New Interests
Following her breakup with Schatz, Michele Kobke has redirected her focus to a new passion: the Middle Ages. Specifically, she has developed a fascination for knight’s armor, and she now spends her time collecting and wearing medieval armor. This shift marks a significant transformation in Kobke’s life, symbolizing her ability to evolve and pursue new interests after ending her relationship with the plane.
“I now love wearing knight’s armor,” she said, describing her new hobby. Kobke sold many of her aviation-themed keepsakes to make room for her growing collection of armor, further illustrating how she has embraced a fresh chapter in her life.
A Closer Look at Objectophilia in Society
While objectophilia might seem uncommon, it is not as rare as one might assume. High-profile cases like Erika Eiffel, who famously married the Eiffel Tower, and Eija-Riitta Eklöf, who wed the Berlin Wall, have drawn attention to this phenomenon. These cases reveal that objectophilia, though unconventional, is a legitimate expression of love and attachment.
In recent years, society’s understanding of human psychology has expanded, and objectophilia is increasingly recognized as a valid sexual orientation. It transcends the boundaries of traditional romantic relationships and challenges our views of love, attachment, and human connection. Kobke’s story is one of many that demonstrate the complexity of human emotions and the diverse ways we form relationships.
An Unconventional Love Story
Michele Kobke’s decade-long relationship with Schatz may have ended, but her story offers a unique perspective on love and attachment. Her connection to the Boeing 737-800 was far from superficial—it was a bond filled with intimacy, affection, and personal meaning. As she embarks on a new path with her passion for medieval history and knight’s armor, her past relationship continues to serve as a reminder that love comes in many forms, often defying societal norms.
Her story brings light to the complexities of objectophilia, encouraging a broader understanding of how people can form deep, meaningful connections with objects. In a world where love and attachment take many shapes, Kobke’s journey challenges the conventional definition of romance and emphasizes the emotional fulfillment people can find in non-traditional relationships.
As Michele Kobke moves forward with new interests and hobbies, her past relationship with Schatz remains an intriguing and thought-provoking chapter in the study of human emotions.
