Since the post asks how to deal with the boyfriend: consider the possibility that he doesn't want you to rush into things that are big responsibilities or could pose a safety risk to either of you. Alligators are not appropriate animals to be pets. Is this an opinion? Sure, but it's coming from someone who has had an alligator as a pet. Burms and Retics - I am under the opinion that these should be treated like venomous snakes where a permit and an apprenticeship under a licensed keeper is required. Have you ever held a burm? Have you ever held an adult rabbit in tongs and had an animal that size slam it? Have you had one miss their strike and look at your face like it's your fault they didn't connect? How about taken a bite from any of them?
You said you had a bp, beardie, and a boa. How long have you had each of those? I have always kept reptiles, but when I started to get into ball pythons I found myself becoming obsessed in the way you describe in the opening post. Take a deep breath, try to imagine the long term - these animals can live 20+ years. That obsession does decrease a bit over time for most people and for some it decreases entirely. It's a lot easier to rehome a bp or a beardie than a boa. An adult retic or burm, especially with the Lacey act? Forget it.
I guess the point here is - even if you end up disagreeing with your boyfriend, take some time, go slow, and enjoy yourself. If you're getting so much satisfaction from your 3 current reptiles, what's the rush to go bigger?
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