why I think I haven't grown out of holding my stuffed animal everywhere in the house and still hugging it while I sleep as a 19-year old

I'm sure there's a more legitimate, sensible reason that I can get from a psychologist or something - but here's my own personal reason:

I am a naturally caring and affectionate person, but I don't show it anymore - there are many times I remember when I was little when I would show a lot of affection to family and friends - and my toys.  I don't know what's to blame - my broken family or my cultural upbringing - but the affection was never reciprocated except through animals and my inanimate stuffed animals.  Thus, people can see a strangely lovey-dovey side of me when I'm near pets.  However, seeing that I don't have pets, I still play with my stuffed animals as if I'm only a few years of age.  Not in public, though.  My giant hello kitty may or may not be in my lap right now.

Long story short - there's a love I have waiting to be truly returned to me.  I don't care whether it's through another person or some other animal - the closest responsive being I have found to do so is possibly Jesus Christ.