Why do /you/ keep reptiles?

[NH93]

I have snakes because my partner is allergic to cats.
Actually, I grew up catching snakes and frogs and all kinds of things as a kid. Seeing snakes in zoos and whatnot was so exciting; being an adult, I guess I kind of wanted to bring that experience home.
And by that, I mean many things. A part of it is the shock factor I will admit: not just for other people - I don't always tell people I have snakes. A lot of it is for myself. Kind of like, "Wow! I actually get to HAVE and SEE and HOLD and TAKE CARE OF these beautiful, unique animals!"
I also like educating people about them, too. It's really amazing to see someone completely change their mind about such a misunderstood creature, and to think that you had some little part in it? Very cool.
In another way, I suppose having snakes is somewhat of a challenge, in that they don't love you. They aren't dogs (or cats, or other small animals) that have loving bonds with you. But they can trust you, even if it takes time. To feel special and believe you do have some kind of bond with your snake is an interesting thing to think about all on its own! It may not really be there, or others may not see it... but if you do, that's something special.

On the plus side, they are quite easy to care for - well, at least having only two of them!

When people question me on them, I retort with "Well... why do you like *such and such*?" I think snakes are still different, as popular as they are becoming. I personally like to think I'm unique and my snakes are individual in their personalities as well.
That is a really difficult question to answer, actually. I don't get offended when people think I'm "nuts", because I really do feel sorry for them that they won't give snakes a chance. Or other animals. And in fact, if they are so quick to judge snakes (and the folks who care for them), it makes me wonder what other conclusions they jump to about other important things, like people!

Awesome questions. Thanks for asking Sorry about my long response. Good luck with your presentation/project!


P.S.
SNAKES ARE ADORABLE. I forgot that.