I think that people who buy snakes as a "cool thing to look at" might think that they don't have emotions like "love". I've gotten my snakes when they were at a very young age, and they adore me. I've owned 5, and I currently have 2. I have trained the first 3 to be gentle and kind and they were adopted to families with a disabled or medically challenged child. I make sure the snakes visit at least 3 times before I let them go, and I instruct the families how to care for them. I've even gone shopping for supplies with them.
Right now I have two boys and I can't let them go. They both love to be held, and they both go straight for my neck and my face. My pale royal enjoys it when I kiss him on his head! I think that all animals have emotions.
Mikey and Harvey are the perfect examples!