Snake reactions from your family and friends

[Godzilla78]

I deleted my Facebook account or year or two ago and I’m very happy about it. Life is actually higher quality not looking at the stupid feeds on Facebook and listening to everyone’s crazy opinions. Plus I’m the type to not to hold back, so if someone posted something negative like, “oh snakes are evil, I should run your Snakes over with a truck.” I would respond, “yeah, well dogs eat too much, they stink, they have fleas and crap everywhere, so I should run over your stupid dog!”
I’m just not Facebook material.

[purpleroan]

I have to admit I didn’t read the original post and the ones before it before posting (sorry it was like 2am here..half asleep!) but I’m “relieved” I spose might be the word to see that others find the same issues on social media. At least I know I’m not the only one who thinks it’s absurd how acceptable verbal/written cruelty towards our pets is. But I agree with Bogertophis, we should all still make the effort to educate others!

[JRLongton]

The only really negative reaction I ever got was from my evil step-mother. When I expressed interest in getting a snake, she told me in no uncertain terms that she would never set foot in my house again if she knew there was even one snake in there.

I went to the snake store the next day! Haven't seen the witch since!

[Bogertophis]

The only really negative reaction I ever got was from my evil step-mother. When I expressed interest in getting a snake, she told me in no uncertain terms that she would never set foot in my house again if she knew there was even one snake in there.

I went to the snake store the next day! Haven't seen the witch since!

"Is that a promise?" Perfect solution!

[Lord Sorril]

My more religious family members shun me for having snakes since the whole Eve/Serpent/Apple thing. Too soon perhaps?

[Bogertophis]

I usually only post snake pics in some of the FB groups I'm in but after reading this thread again. I think I'll start posting more. I could care less about the haters, and like Philly D said, maybe I can even ignite an interest in someone else.

I'm not personally a fan of Facebook or a FB-user, but it's a way of showing people what you're about. It's not the only way either. No matter what means each of
us feels comfortable with, I do think it's important not to hide our love of snakes. As more people (the 'haters') are forced to realize there are more of us than they
thought, it takes some of the wind out of their sails. For those who take the time to actually know us, we reflect possitively (I hope) on the hobby and some people
finally do get curious enough to want to meet our pets. I have never minded being called "Snake Lady".

If someone suggested to me that they'd love to "run over my snake" or similar hate, I am too much of a dog-lover to hint of doing the same to their dog, but what I
WOULD say to them is that their hate is the equivalent of someone doing that to their pet or children, & how would THEY like it said? Maybe that would sink in?

[Bogertophis]

My more religious family members shun me for having snakes since the whole Eve/Serpent/Apple thing. Too soon perhaps?

It's hard to communicate with those not living in the same century...you have my sympathy.

[Pengil]

Overall the reactions I've experienced have been pretty positive- some people are not thrilled, but no one has threatened to burn my apartment down or run over my snake. Actually, I've run into quite a few people who either own or have owned snakes or other reptiles, some in quite unexpected places (apparently both of my bosses at both of my jobs had reptiles at one point in time!).

I've gotten the most positive reception at the library I work at, even though quite a few people there are not what I would categorize as being super fond of unconventional pets. However, they were still curious when they found out, and still ask questions about Horatio and my experiences keeping him. Maybe it helps that he is a bright yellow fellow, and not a traditional snakey-color? There is one lady who is absolutely terrified of snakes, and so I just respectfully refrain from discussing him or whipping out a picture when she's around.

Surprisingly, my dad has been the family member who's been the most receptive my foray into snake ownership, although he's had to overcome a few shocking revelations- the fact that I was getting a snake to begin with, that he was coming all the way from Florida ("You couldn't find a local snake?!" ), and that I know exactly what day is birthday is. My sister has been the most negative by far- normally a very intelligent human, she first stated that she would never come over if I got one, and has insisted since then that Horatio is plotting to eat me, and one day he will decide it is time to make me dinner and thus will grow sufficiently larger by sheer force of will. I did make her meet him, and she is perhaps not so negative now, although she still insists that he's plotting... Something.

As far as Facebook goes, I'm pretty sure that if other people my age can post pictures of their child's poop on their carpet, I should be able to post pictures of my perfectly clean, poop-free snake without complaint.

[Helonwheelz383]

Like others said you just keep doing you. After all the snake is for you and whatever anybody else thinks is for them. Just ignore or block them if it's bothersome. It'd be nice if people would keep their negative comments to themselves, but it's just not a realistic expectation with a lot of folks and social media amplifies it because there is a disconnect. It's easier to be a prick through a keyboard than if you were face to face. Some feel the need to throw negativity at others whether it's out of spite or just to nurture their own insecurities. It's unfortunate but that's a whole other conversation. Most people just aren't very informed and/or are just plain scared of them because of some leftover and a lot of times irrational fear/beliefs. Most people just don't do the "creepy crawlies." They're largely misunderstood and I think that's why I've always been so attracted to them. Do what makes YOU happy. Don't give them that power.

[Bogertophis]

... My sister has been the most negative by far- normally a very intelligent human, she first stated that she would never come over if I got one, and has insisted since then that Horatio is plotting to eat me, and one day he will decide it is time to make me dinner and thus will grow sufficiently larger by sheer force of will. I did make her meet him, and she is perhaps not so negative now, although she still insists that he's plotting... Something. ....

That sounds like she fell for the old myth that a snake lying next to you is somehow "measuring you" for consumption. Maybe she picked that up from someone
when she was much younger & it's still there subconsciously?