Yes cybil I don't just bite my nails, I tear them off like a lion tears up a piece of meat when he hasn't eaten for days. No polite nibbling, as you say, I use every bit of leverage I can get to pull away more.
I know they are disgusting and I am embarrassed so always put on acrylics when I have to go out. Acrylics usually last up to a week and then I tear away again. Sometimes I tear at the acrylic ones too. I tend to bite when I am thinking, or often worrying or trying to make a decision, or sometimes when I am just relaxing or in the car and bored. I do struggle not to 'put something in my mouth'. I smoked for years, am a good picker at food, but deep down I feel I am a calm person at heart so all this annoys some part of me endlessly....so why can't I stop.
The only time I have stopped, for almost three months was after the birth of my children. It was really really odd, but for once I didn't have the compulsion to bite my nails. The first time it happened I thought it was because I was too tired, but after my son was born, I wondered if it was something more than that....I wonder if the body produces some kind of 'peaceful drug'...although it's a hectic time, I felt calm at heart and had no compulsion to bite.
I remember two years ago I bought something from a smart shop and was served by someone with nails as bad as mine, and as I watched her wrap up the present, I just thought 'that is hideous'....and yet I didn't stop.
I don't know what kind of lightening bolt I need....but really appreciate your posts...and anything else anyone would like to add. I am so wary of gluing on acrylics, I am so wary of having coffee with friends and thinking more about hiding my fingers than what they are saying.