So Proud

Rogue628 · 08-26-12, 05:02 PM

My sister-in-law, who has an irrational fear of snakes, took another step forward the other day. In the last few months it's been a really slow process getting her to at least admit snakes aren't evil lol. When she first started visiting, she refused to even be in the same room with them even with them in their homes. She wants to get over her fear, it's just been a really slow process as she's extremely afraid of them (her fear is the most extreme case I've ever seen).

But the other night when she came over, I had my little boa out and she started asking questions about her, something she's never done before. It took a long time for her to get enough bravery to even touch her. I had to keep my little boas head completely away from her (something I do anyway when people who are scared of them want to touch them) before she'd do it. After an extremely long time, she got up enough nerve to somewhat hold her. For her, it was a huge step and one that makes me proud of such a huge accomplishment.

She's still pretty scared of them, especially of my bigger animals. But hey....they are 'huge' in some people's opinions, although I'm like "meh...the burms are still little" lol. Still....this is a major step for her

Anyway, here's the one pic I managed to get of her with my little boa.

exwizard · 08-26-12, 07:16 PM

Wow that is great! I love it when I see things like this. You have good reason to be proud. I wish more ophidiophobics took that step to overcome their fears.

bad kitty · 08-26-12, 09:07 PM

Kudos to you for helping her get over her phobia! I know whenever I introduce my boa, Sugar, to anyone new, I always keep her head in my hand and offer to let them touch her tail too, as it makes the human less afraid and the snake really doesn't care! LOL! I found that the few ophidiophobes who I've introduced Sugar to have come away with a positive experience. Keep up the good work with your sister-in-law, she'll come around eventually!

Kaetlinv · 08-26-12, 09:15 PM

I've done this with a few kids one time. The first time this little boy (I believe he's three?) saw me holding Val he said 'Big snake', I offered him to touch her tail and he kind of mumbled 'Can you put it away?' so I put her away and comforted him. Such a curious and brave little boy though, the next time I had her out around him he almost grabbed her head! haha. I told him that he needs to be slow and careful and that he could hold her tail while I kept her head by me. He was very eager to touch her tail and said it felt funny. it was so cute and darling to watch! Val took it well too, she would be such a good example for presentations. Very docile and moves slowly but confidently. I can close my hand around her head (slowly of course, and not crushingly) and she just acts like it never happened.

She may be 'big' to people who don't know snakes, but she's such a sweetie. She's actually just turned pink on her belly (found out when I took her out to show her to a friend of mine who just bought a fire cornsnake female) but took to being held by two strangers with ease.

It's really amazing when someone is able to overcome a fear. It's fantastic that you're helping her do so! if you're able to overcome your fear then you have nothing to be afraid of.

marvelfreak · 08-27-12, 07:02 PM

Congrats on getting her to at least hold one. Give her a year and she'll be addicted like the rest of us.

Gungirl · 08-27-12, 07:04 PM

I wish I could get my mother in law to switch over to our side..

Great job you did Rogue!

alessia55 · 08-27-12, 07:08 PM

That's AWESOME!

Always good to see someone challenging their fear of snakes

Rogue628 · 08-27-12, 09:25 PM

I doubt she'll ever consider having one as a pet...even for her kids (a couple of her sons love my animals), but to help someone overcome a fear and actually learn about the animal is something.

I've helped quite a few people overcome their aversion to snakes. I gladly answer questions, explain their basic functions, how they know what's food and what's not....basic anatomy, etc. I've found that when someone is educated on them, even the basics, it usually alleviates alot of fear or misgivings about them.

I had a co-worker come over to see my animals a couple of weeks ago. He said he's always been curious about them, but never actually saw them up close. He held everyone of my animals, including Nom Nom and Baby Girl, which is HUGE to him (lol). Now he can't stop talking about them or telling other co-workers about how awesome they are

I wish I had gotten pics of him holding some. I thought it was awesome!