My daughter used to have several large Tarantulas as pets; and thought it was nothing to let them crawl all over her.
But; let one of our fast running Wolf spiders from here in Oregon; about half the size of a tarantula; get anywhere near her; she would freak-out! Said she didn't trust the smaller ones; as they would bite you!
I never did get comfortable with the Tarantulas; she put one on my back once and let it crawl up over my shoulder!
I about killed both of us; putting some space between us!