Would this put you off an otherwise nice guy?

[malibux]

Been out on a couple of dates with Alan (not his real name) and we get on great, lots in common, similar lines of work and similar interests. All good so far.
Trouble is, Alan has a habit that goes right through me, makes my wince inside. He bites his nails and sits doing it even at the table in a restaurant or cafe. It's happened each time. I find myself having to look away or suddenly need the toilet. I find it really off-putting. It's never just a quick bite either, he spends a few minutes at a time doing it, like he forgets he's in company or in a public space.
His hands are grubby from doing it and I find it pretty unhygenic as a habit.
Not sure I'd want to spend any future dates sitting across the table watching him do this whilst I'm trying to enjoy a meal or a drink.
Do I tell him that it puts me off him? Anyone ever finished with a guy from similar?

Yes, it would put me off, it’s like nosepicking, or head scratching. You’re entitled not to pursue a relationship for any reason you choose, regardless of whether some else finds it trivial or not. I wouldn’t go out with someone who used emojis, or wasn’t an articulate writer, whether in texts, emails, letters, whatever. That might seem crazy to some people, but they’re not me.

If you’re posting here about it after one date then it sounds like a dealbreaker to me. We all have things we can’t get over.

I would tell him but frame it as a weird thing about you that you find it jarring

This habit he has will continually annoy you.

Call it a day and move on to the next.

That will slowly drive you insane

If you really like him and think there could be a future ,then tell him
directly that you've noticed the nail biting and you can't put up with it. He may address it, if not then move on.

I would tell him, especially if you would like to see him again other than this issue.

Hey Alan, I'm really enjoying getting to know you and I've had so much fun on our dates. I'd love to go out again but there's just one thing I wanted to mention because I'm finding it a bit off-putting - it's the nail biting. Do you think it's something you're able to stop doing? No worries if not, but if it's a habit you can't break then I'll pass on any future dates. I really would love to see you again though! Xx

I mean, he'll either try or tell you to get lost. But at least you'll know.

if this bothers you after a couple of dates... then its not going to get any better is it?

that said, ask yourself 'is it a deal breaker for me?' and also consider, you might have a habit he's not keen on either.

In addition to being repulsive, it's highly unhygienic. There are pathogens all around - he's touching them with his hands and putting his hands in his mouth.
I worked with someone who did that and he was forever getting colds and all sorts because he was picking up stuff from his fingers.

Tell him and give him a chance to knock it. Nail-biting is a hard habit to knock but if he really values the relationship he’ll mend his ways and you may have yourself a very worthwhile relationship

I bite my nails when I’m anxious or nervous
maybe he is anxious about dating

I’m not sure whether you should consider it a deal breaker…I’d be mortified if I was dating and someone found my habit repulsive. I’m not sure how you can go about it but maybe broaching it like ‘I’ve noticed you’re biting your nails when we’re out. Is there something that’s making you nervous about this venue/place etc etc?”

how he responds to that might tell you a lot about the root of this behaviour he has x