So first off, I'm terrified of snakes in general. I think they're really cool, and my fiance has a normal ball and a Black Pastel that I got her as a Christmas present. I like holding the Pastel, but won't get him out of his tank myself. Scared he'll freak out and strike me. The normal I won't touch, mainly because he's nippy with everyone but my fiance. All of this is a little worse now because my brother who lives with us has a normal that he brings in my room and scares me with. Last week he had him striking at my ear and thought it was the funniest thing. I'm planning on getting a hatchling for myself in the next week or so, and forcing myself to get over the fear of getting bitten.