How do we show people that snakes aren't what they are often portrayed to be?

[Poseidon]

Lots of good advice! I'll try to actively incorporate all of it into my reptile related life.

The child I babysit asked what the "birdcage" was in my room. It was an aquarium wrapped in blankets, LOL. I pulled out my snake for her, and she seems to really enjoy her. She didn't want to hold her the first time, but the second time, I saw that hand supporting that tail! So we held her together. I am surprised her mother hasn't mentioned it. I don't know how snake friendly she is.

And my mother has nicknamed my new snake already! I've got a friend that is (was??) terrified of snakes signed up to hold her after she's settled into her home. I'm feeling good!

My sister gave me a horrified look when I said that the new snake is about 3 feet. Hopefully she'll see her and she that is huge and terrifying, and snake scaredness will be chipped away a little.