I'm not a big fan of spiders either. Don't know why. Just not. But like snakes, I never kill them (unless I can positively identify one as a black widow or brown recluse. If one of those two species is in or by the house, I will kill it.)
I'm from the desert, and have encountered many tarantulas. I LOVE THEM! They're actually quite docile. This may sound shocking, but I've placed an open palm underneath them and allowed them to crawl up my hand and arm. Yes, you have to mentally psych up to to something like this, but it's amazing fun. They're not aggressive at all, and I guarantee it will amaze and impress your friends.
Or not. They may think I'm a nut but are too polite to tell me. Ha!