I started keeping tarantulas in covid quarantine, and people would ask a lot "oh are they like snakes? Like can they learn to recognize and trust you?" (The answer is no). But I was intrigued by this idea that snakes actually could form a bond with you, so I did some reading on different species, watched videos, and ordered my first ball python, bracing myself for an animal that would want nothing to do with me. To my surprise he took to me very quickly and actively enjoyed snuggling into my hoodies and watching TV with me - more than once I worried he'd been out of his tank too long and tried to put him back, only for him to grab tightly to my sweater and burrow in further. I know that he's mainly after my body heat and soft clothing, but both of mine will voluntarily approach and climb on me when left to their own devices to roam around my room, and it's a very cool feeling to have what is basically a wild animal look over at you, and then have an obvious moment of recognition like "oh right, that weird monkey that's always around, I know that one. That one's fine." Now people ask me if the snakes can enjoy petting or express affection, or befriend you like a dog, and I have to explain that no, not really, but the relationship you have with them is totally different. Not lesser or worse I don't think, but very different.
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