That's really unfortunate. I've had friends refuse to touch mine or tell me they they're cute but sorry I won't touch them. Honestly it's just a learned stereotype, try not to take it personally. It's her loss, she's missing out, I'm sure your rat is great. they just have a bad rep is all. You and I both know it's not true. They're clean, friendly, loveable. It might hurt a little but try not to hold it against her, it's a learned response. It's engrained into us from a young age that rodents are gross and filthy.