How do you tell if a snake loves you?

[Catherine]

This is a tough question.
I don't think all my snakes love me. I have some snakes that I brought home as breeders. They are at least 3-5 years old and they have no bond with me. We develop a bond, but they are not all the same. Some are much closer to me.

I brought Martin home as an adult and he likes me. He won't leave his tank for anyone, but me and the person I got him from. Sometimes he just wants me to hold him. He doesn't want out of his tank, he just wants my attention.

The corn snakes I raised all love me. They love to be touched by me. When I approach the tank they look at me and respond when I talk. When I hold them they curl around me.

If all my snakes acted that way you could say it is a snake thing, but it is different for each snake.

People say they just want my warmth, but they will leave a warm basking spot to be with me.
It is not a food thing. I do not handle them when I feed. Feeding is feeding and I use long tongs. Sam is the exception. He eats better if I hold him and let him pick his food.(Sam is my special baby)

When you get to know them you can read body language. Snakes have lots of body to work with.

I think snakes use their whole body to express affection. They are not very expressive, it is subtle. They are independent creatures so they relate as equals(at least I hope they think I am an equal).

If they did not form loving bonds then all my snakes would be the same toward me. The Hognose Snakes trust me enough to calm down when I pick them up and will curl up in my lap.
Jake Krinkle Snake comes to look for me when he wants something. On Sat he just wanted a snuggle.

How do I tell if my snakes love me? Like any pet owner, I just know. After all I know I love them.