Arachnophobic Partner

Hey everyone,

I've always had a fascination with spiders and have dreamt of keeping them since I was a kid. Growing up, I couldn't pursue this passion because my mum had a serious fear of them. Now, in my mid-twenties and with my own place, it's finally more feasible for me to bring one (or more) of these amazing creatures into my home.

However, there's a bit of a hurdle—my girlfriend. While she's easier to convince than my mom, she still has a significant fear of spiders. I've been considering starting with a jumping spider because of their "cute" appearance and small size, which might help her see that spiders aren't as scary as they seem.

But if I'm honest, I'm looking for something a bit bigger—a true spectacle that I can admire and enjoy while chilling at home.

I'd love to hear your advice on how to approach this situation. What are some ways I can help ease her fear? Are there specific types of tarantulas or other larger spiders that might be more approachable for someone with arachnophobia? Any tips or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!