boyfriend refuses to let me have a snake.

**cardiocentric** · 06-19-2012, 04:04 AM

I'm sure this problem is common, but I figure I'd ask anyways. I have always wanted a snake, since I was a kid. I'm finally on my own but living with someone who HATES snakes with a passion. I've settled on the idea of a corn snake since they're the most friendly/least harmful of all of the options... and I happen to like them the best anyways. My question is, how can I persuade someone who can't STAND snakes that they're actually alright and serve a purpose in nature/life other than the terror animal planet has pigeonholed them to be?

**Aeonflame** · 06-19-2012, 04:12 AM

Well he may feel as strongly about it as you do. While he may understand that they serve a purpose in nature, he may have trouble coming to terms with the purpose that one serves in the house. A phobia can be pretty bad. I love snakes, but I have a terrible phobia of moths. If someone was keeping moths in my house I would freak out.

But... all hope may not be lost. Maybe you can take it at baby steps and eventually agree to compromise.

**Lady Hobbs** · 06-19-2012, 04:33 AM

You can't. You are sharing a living space together. If he doesn't like snakes, then you shouldn't bring one into the home simply because you need to respect those who live there too. Sometimes we just can't have everything we want in life.

**MuckyFish** · 06-19-2012, 05:40 AM

It depends of they would agree to immersive sensitization therapy. But frankly I think in the home if they are that afraid you should not. Different if you have an outhouse or other onsite location that's not in the home.

**metal-otaku** · 06-19-2012, 11:41 AM

love snakes. boyfriend is terrified. we have one rule. i don't buy a snake. he won't buy a dog. :) sorry that doesn't much. but yeah phobias are bad and hard to break. and being forced to live with one can bring undo stress on a person. and do you really want to do that to your roommate?

**Crispy** · 06-19-2012, 01:15 PM

If you really want him to let you get a snake then you better try to get rid of his phobia. take him somewhere you both could handle a tame snake. start with something that looks completely harmless like a baby. do it a few times and he may hold a bit larger snake. best you can do is educate him about the animals and show him 'hands on' that snakes aren't so bad. good luck!