Is it normal to bite your nails at 18

69% Normal
14 Comments

i'm 18 years old and i've been biting my nails since i grew teeth. ive tried to let them grow out before, but the skin commonly covered by nail is so used to regular stimulation at this point that having them be covered by nail feels almost like having an itch you can't scratch. so, i always end up picking at things or putting things under my nails to satisfy the "itch," (its not really an itch, just a desire for sensation) but this usually ends up breaking the nails and im back to square one. is it normal?

Voting Results
69% Normal
Based on 42 votes (29 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 14 )
  • thegypsysailor
    8 years ago

    I've known many adults much older than 21 who chew their nails. Apparently it's very hard to quit, but I believe it's worth it. You might wish to do a pole to see if this would turn off potential lovers.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    1
    1
      -
    • NeofelisNebulosa
      8 years ago

      A poll, you mean? ;)

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      2
      2
        -
      • thegypsysailor
        8 years ago

        Gawd, it's the old timer's disease. It seems to get worse and worse.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        1
        1
      • regisphilbin
        8 years ago

        pole dancing is fine too

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        0
        0
  • [Old Memory]
    8 years ago

    I have this same habit. I'm working on breaking it. I keep them trimmed with finger nail clippers so that I can't bite them. I use to let them grow out just so I could bit them off.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    1
    1
  • Tpd8641
    8 years ago

    I used to bite my nails until the age of 15. My friend's mum suggested putting plasters over each and every one of my nails until I stopped getting the urge to bite them. It was really difficult and embarrassing having to wear the bandages all the time, but ultimately it provided the motivation I needed, and within a month or so I had stopped. I did have a couple relapses but I just repeated taping my nails and made myself keep them taped for longer each time. In the end it worked. Now, no more plasters and 10 beautiful nails.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • Aries
    8 years ago

    A lot of people bite their nails . It's a lot better not to my friend .

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • jeim
      8 years ago

      no shit! i just cant stop

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
        -
      • Aries
        8 years ago

        possibly try putting some glue or something else on them . The distasteful coating should encourage you not to bite them and hopefully break the habit .

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        0
        0
          -
        • jeim
          8 years ago

          its not even biting. i even pick the nails off with sharp objects or tear them off. i just cant tolerate having nails

          Comment Hidden ( show )
          0
          0
  • howaminotmyself
    8 years ago

    I don't think age has anything to do with it.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • Shrunk
    8 years ago

    im 23 and i do.. didn't know it was an age specific thing.. but yeah not to the extent you describe, that seems a bit much if i'm understanding correctly

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • Dulse.
    8 years ago

    I've seen some people before that had badly damaged nails due to biting.

    I don't judge them harshly for it, I understand it is an incredibly difficult habit to shake. Just one of many things in life that isn't ideal, but sometimes there isn't much you can do to fix it. Don't trouble yourself too much over it. :)

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • jeim
      8 years ago

      ive been biting them pretty bad my whole life, but every time ive tried to let them grow out so far they always return to normal in time, so at least in my case im not too worried about permanent damage luckily.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0