I’m pretty frightened of medium-to-large spiders (mostly the fast-moving ones with long, pointy legs; the barn funnel weaver is a great example). but I’ve always liked looking at tarantulas and think I could be okay around one, holding it, etc. I know that’s not a lot of info, but do you have a personal opinion on whether it’d be a bad idea to pursue owning a tarantula given my fear?

glumshoe:

Tbh, I think it should be fine? You don’t need to handle a pet tarantula – I haven’t touched Petunia once since I got her. She’s slow and docile and is happy to just sit in one spot for most of the day. So long as you are able to reach into the terrarium to remove an uneaten cricket or refill a water dish, you don’t have to worry about physically interacting with it much at all. I’d definitely try to meet someone else’s tarantula before you get your own – females can live to be over ten years old.

The recommended beginner tarantulas are all pretty chill. Go to a pet store and watch one for awhile, just to be sure, but they shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Might also be good exposure therapy. 

If you get one and realize that you can’t handle putting your hand in, just get some tongs! Kitchen tongs should work.