I had a shell and a small, smooth pebble as transitional objects at my request and in return I left one of my shells with her. My intention was to 'make' some kind of connection and I thought it help me feel more connected to her when I wasn't with her. It didn't work for me though and I gave them back a couple of months ago. I think for them to feel right and serve a 'connection' purpose you have to feel somewhat connected in the first place. And more often than not, I don't.