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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To boast that I’ve stopped biting nails after 55 years

19 replies

Figmentofmyimagination · 03/12/2019 18:38

Thought I’d share my motivation and methods.

My main motivation was that every year at this time of year, I am always full of cold. Winter holidays have been ruined - especially if a flight is involved. I finally twigged that as a regular commuter, I was transferring everyone’s coldy etc germs straight into my insides by chewing my nails. (It’s also a repulsive thought in and of itself!)

Also, chewing my fingers year after year, I noticed that I have been reducing the sensitivity on the tips of my fingers to heat (this might be irreversible).

This year, so far, I am completely cold-free by the start of December for the first time in a decade even though I am surrounded by coughs and sneezes.

My method is telling everyone - including explaining my motivation above - and having bottles of stop it in different places.

I’ve gone 3 months now. Using nail clippers for the first time in my life.

Just thought I’d share - to motivate myself and anyone like me!

OP posts:
MidnightCircus · 03/12/2019 18:42

Well done figment! I've managed to stop after 25 years, and yep, much less I'll. Just wish my nails didn't grow so oddly now 🙁

MidnightCircus · 03/12/2019 18:42

Ill* not I'll. Thanks autoruiner

haba · 03/12/2019 18:45

YANBU! And what a great reason to stop too, well done! I hope you have a lovely healthy winter Thanks

cunningartificer · 03/12/2019 18:45

I share your joy! I’ve also stopped after a lifetime, and I’m so proud of myself... because I imagined I couldn’t change. And if I can change that, I can change anything!

cunningartificer · 03/12/2019 18:46

Well done!!!🥳

Figmentofmyimagination · 03/12/2019 18:47

Thank you!

I feel absurdly proud about it.

OP posts:
NoGuarantee · 03/12/2019 19:00

I just stopped after 25 years too and I'm loving it!

scott2609 · 03/12/2019 19:16

Exact same reason I stopped too! It’s been three years now- my nails look lovely and I rarely get colds. Makes me feel queasy thinking about biting them now.

JigsawsAreInPieces · 03/12/2019 19:20

I did that 13 years ago and still feel proud as punch! 😁

Cornettoninja · 03/12/2019 19:23

That’s no easy feat - well done you!

Are you going to treat yourself to manicures/ nail varnish or is that not your thing?

Cheeijlo · 03/12/2019 19:24

OP I’m very impressed. I’ve been less of a biter for a few years now but I still have lapses which are more frequent than I’d like. Also my nails are a very weird shape.

AloneLonelyLoner · 03/12/2019 19:43

Massive congratulations to you!!

I've never bitten my nails but I have an addictive personality and I totally get how these things are a desperate urge. Two of my kids nail bite and it breaks me when I see it.

I'm incredibly proud of you. ❤️❤️❤️👏

theconstantinoplegardener · 03/12/2019 20:01

Well done! I've been trying to do this for years and never managed it. I tend to bite my nails without thinking about it. Stop 'n' Grow would be good in this situation but I do most of the cooking in our house and I am always worried that it would taint everyone's food! Have you noticed this or is it actually not a problem?

Figmentofmyimagination · 03/12/2019 21:19

constantinople gardener it’s sometimes annoying if I’m eg eating a sandwich but that’s all. I think it’s a price worth paying.

OP posts:
Figmentofmyimagination · 03/12/2019 21:20

I doubt I will do manicures and nail varnish. More likely to keep them clipped quite short. It’s a novelty to clip them tbh!

OP posts:
Rainatnight · 03/12/2019 21:23

Well done! I’m 44 and definitely have a memory of biting at 5 years old, so that’s 39 years. I’ve given up lots of times but always, always start again.

And my nails are really weak and shitty, probably because of all the biting, so it’s hard to keep them nice when I do grow them.

winniesanderson · 03/12/2019 21:31

Well done! I stopped 10 years ago (I'm 36) when my eldest was born. No idea why, but as soon as she was born that was that 😂 I do still like to keep them quite short though. But it is nice to occasionally let them grow a bit and paint them. I always wished I could do that as a teenager but never let them get long enough back then.

UnaCorda · 03/12/2019 21:52

Well done - I imagine it's a very hard habit to break.

I must say it does turn my stomach a bit when I see someone on the tube gnawing away at their fingers as if they're eating a corn on the cob. Not just that it isn't very nice to watch, but also the thought of how disgusting the seats are on the underground.

SexlessBoulderBelly · 03/12/2019 21:58

I wish I had your motivation, I’m germ conscious anyway so I’ve stopped biting, but I find myself picking at them relentlessly anyway.

Not allowed false nails for work (dental nurse) so I’m left with these stubby sausage troll hands that are just embarrassing to out anywhere near anyone.

I’m on maternity leave now though so maybe I’ll start getting regular gel nails to help them grow underneath then after a while try and just stick to shellac and have lovely natural nails... exciting times ahead!

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