How can I stop ripping my fingernails, after doing it for many years?

Have you ever worked through a problem like this? How did you solve it? I have been picking at my fingernails and ripping them very short for a long time. My fingernails are so short that I can't usually use them to open a pop can tab, or something similar that you might use your fingernails for. I usually do this when I don't even really realize I am doing it, while having a conversation for example. I sometimes also do it consciously. I try to make myself stop doing it, but I still catch myself doing it all the time, even when I don't want to.

Any ideas on how I can stop doing this?
I would really like to stop doing this and let my fingernails get longer.

It's a nervous habit that you can control, but in time. Try rewarding yourself with something for each week you make it through without picking away. It'll be hard at first, because you'll have the urge to pick but stay focused on stopping & you'll do just fine.

You're welcome & no more picking & ripping. lol Report It

Try to control your nervous state by focusing on some hobby...it is hard, but you can do it if you are determined...Keep on thinking that you eat many germs and all sort of dirty microscopic organisms...it is a bad habit...I had it from the age 12 to 14 and I got rid of it after a while...Good luck to you!