You are in a large get-together of old friends. Everyone is shaking hands and greeting each other - but not you. You bite your fingernails and are too embarrassed that someone will notice and comment on the short, un-manicured nails. You begin to wish you were anywhere but there. Why did you agree to attend? Fear takes over and you sit behind a table just so you won't have to shake anyone's hand.
This situation is common for those who bite their fingernails. Nail biters are always trying to hide their hands from other people. When with family, friends, or strangers, fear of comments makes the biter feel ashamed and embarrassed. The fear that others will comment, tease and talk about the bitten nails seriously impacts a person's self-esteem and confidence.
Hands are always in sight for others to see. While reading a book, magazine or flyer, it is difficult to hide your fingernails from view. While writing or holding a glass, it is impossible to conceal your hands. At work or at leisure, hands are in sight for others to notice your extremely short nails.
The nail biter fears going on a date or spending one-on-one time with others. He will hold his hands in his lap so the nails are not visible. He will put his hands in his pockets, if possible, to hide his fingernails. As a last resort, he will put them behind him or fold them together so others are not able to view the nails. While others will express with their hands, he is apprehensive to do so.
When sitting in the classroom at school or the university, the consequences could be complete humiliation if anyone noticed the fingernails. When giving a presentation, there is no expressing with hands or pointing to something for emphasis. It would be embarrassing, so the stress and anxiety increases, making it impossible to concentrate on what needs to be said.
The nail bitter finds he is alone more than with others just so he can reduce the fear and embarrassment of someone seeing his bitten fingernails. Loneliness is preferred to taunting and shame. So, although many people overlook the social suffering that the habit of biting one's fingernails can cause, it can have a serious impact on a person's well-being, relationships and emotions. It can impact a lot more everyday situations that most people would assume at first glance.
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