danelle- I completely understand. My husband is from Louisiana and his first comment when he saw my cornsnake was "we kill those things where I'm from, we don't keep them as pets." Fortunately, I got Josie before we started dating and then when we got engaged, I told him that Josie was part of the package. If he wanted me, then she came with me. So, I still have her, but her cage is on my side of the bedroom. When I get her out, he leaves the room. He puts up a big show like he doesn't like her, yet he bought me a new 40-gallon tank for her for a Christmas present last year and he goes and picks up mice for her (he doesn't feed her, I do that). He also looks in her cage and comments on her water, whether I should clean her cage, etc. I don't think he will ever love her like I do, but he sure has become fond of her!!
I also get the comment about being a girl and having a snake.