That's really unpleasant. I like to do the same thing, but I've never experienced that. My friends who do like(or have had) snakes generally take interest, and the ones who don't just ignore it. I understand that some people are unnerved by snakes. I totally respect that. I've got a paralyzing fear of heights, so I get it. I respect my friend's differences, they respect mine. If they don't, we have a problem...

My parents actually met Steve before I did, since Steve was technically a Christmas gift. He'd won over the entire family(mom, dad, and little brother) before I even met him.

The worst I ever get is a little bit of teasing from my parents, probably because I treat Steve like a baby. ("I did the same thing when YOUR shed was incomplete."-Mom)