Spaniard is exactly right.

Reptiles, snakes especially, are not like mammal pets -- cats, dogs, rabbits, rats, etc. They really could care less if we interact with them or hold them. Holding and handling a snake is for the owners benefit, not the snakes.

Almost all of my snakes seem to know when I am holding them, versus someone less experienced than me, there is a noticeable difference in their behavior (they are less calm and will squirm around because they don't feel secure).