Quote Originally Posted by Kodieh View Post
I disagree with your assertion that she's worried. No one gives out financial blows like insurance or cell phone cut offs and is worried.

I just don't discuss my hobby with family anymore. I don't feel like having these discussions, unless I'm asked about it. Then I try and be as professional as possible.

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I think the financial blows came with the anger, not the worry.

I don't usually discuss my animals with my family, only when the specifically ask. The only reason this stuff came up was because my mother was facebook stalking me intensely. She has nothing better to do but sit on facebook and twitter all day. Maybe she needs to join the reptile hobby!


Quote Originally Posted by aldebono View Post
We have 22 snakes and then more frogs and lizards. 20 something snakes is nothing like having 20 something cats or dogs. And putting a number on it makes it seem a lot worse than it really is. I have just learned to hide any new additions so I don't have to hear about it. My parents see it as another mouth to feed, not that I got it for free or in a trade. While I see it as another mouth to feed still isn't raising my bedding and rat block bill.

I am excited for you to be moving with a designated space for your animals! It makes hiding them and showing them off a lot easier. We will be moving at the end of May when my husband gets out of basic with the Coast Guard. I am so excited to have a spare bedroom as my own "space".

I love my animals, but I would also love to have family or guests over and not be berated with questions from those two don't understand bins. I would also love to have them in the spare bedroom to avoid "The Look" when people round the foyer and see the frog rack behind my dining room table.

I think it will pass. Just give it some time for everyone to forget. You are not doing anything wrong! You have a passion for these animals just like the rest of us. Even though other people do not understand, we do.
I agree with that bit about the number. I hate telling people the exact number because it doesn't really matter. the difference between 18 and 22 is not that much, but to a regular person it seems enormous.

I'm so glad to move. I currently live in a 500sqft apartment which works out just fine, but I can't really have guests for long periods, and all of my reptiles are in my living room. Its a little frustrating sometimes, but we make it work. Normally most of the people coming to my house have been there before and know about the animals. Those that are new are informed prior to entering that there are lots of reptiles! My upstairs neighbor is petrified of snakes and I told her they are all very secure and not going anywhere near her. She seemed comforted by the fact that I didn't pressure her to hold them or look at them.


Anyway.. I'm sure my mother will come around eventually.. I just wish it wasn't during the holidays during the short period of time I get to see my family