hey, if you meet somebody and learn that they have an "unconventional" pet (I'm mainly talking about insects and fish and reptiles but I've seen people do this with rats and mice too), PLEASE don't then tell them at length how disgusting or scary or freaky or awful it is???
its sad that this has to be said, but pets are often beloved members of the family and that INCLUDES your co-workers tarantula that he loves and dotes on and has taken care of for years and that INCLUDES your classmate's python with the amazing tricked out enclosure and that INCLUDES your friend's aquarium full of leeches or terrarium stocked only with isopods or their little gaggle of hissing cockroaches.
yes, even if you DO think it's gross and would never own one yourself, yes EVEN if you have a PHOBIA of the animal in question! there are so many ways to kindly and maturely let that person know that you'd rather not interact with or see the animal than just roasting this person's pet unprompted. being afraid doesn't give you a license to be cruel.
i had a pet mantis for a while in my first year of uni (her name was kate bush) and let me tell you, after raising her by hand and watching her grow and flourish, after hours spent with her keeping me company on my potted plant while I worked, after saving her molts like baby teeth and her first egg case like i was a proud grandparent, i was as much of a sobbing heap the day i had to put her down due to illness as ive been when cats or dogs have died. and the friends that consoled me and appreciated the love i had for that amazing little creature DESPITE BEING SHIT SCARED OF HER are the friends i am most grateful for!
if you can't personally see the beauty and value in less "charismatic" animals then im sorry for you, but at least be respectful to your fellow human beings who love them.
