How do you deal with negative reactions about your reptile keeping?

[Lolo76]

It kinda depends on how they say it (your friend was VERY rude), but I try to remain calm, informative, and friendly... don't want to feed into their stereotypes, ya know? If somebody gives me a hard time, or says "ewwww," I just reply with something like "I know it's an unusual hobby, but they actually make fantastic pets - and I really enjoy caring for them." That generally shuts them up, sometimes even sparks their curiosity! And once I start showing them photos (if they ask), it usually softens their attitudes a bit.