As Aeries mentioned, it is difficult to talk openly about keeping snakes, or other exotic reptiles. That's why I'm glad for reptile shows and online communities. The reactions I get are generally of an off put nature though. When I mention my snake or lizards or frogs peoples general reaction is "uh huh" or "why would you have those?" My Grandfather(although I love him to death) always asks me what I will do when my ball python gets 20 feet long. I always respond, nothing becuase he never will get that long.
In my experience people get confused as to why I keep reptiles becuase they think they are not fun at all, or I can't interact with them so what is the point. My answer is usually that keeping reptiles is more complex than that.
As Laura asked in her OP, my reptiles did assist in the loss of a friend(for the better...she was a bit nuts >.>)