Self help
I have a bad habit. More than a bad habit, it’s an ugly habit.
Some people bite their nails. Others can’t stop shaking their legs sitting down.
I do this to my thumbs. (and yes, that is me)
It’s a combination of picking your cuticles and biting your nails. I’ve been unable to kick the habit since the 6th grade. I actually remember the day it started. I was showing off some weird hand trick with my fingers and a group of kids started making fun of me. And at that moment, I retreated and it began.
Over the years, it started to actually feel good – a repetitious movement that could both distract me from something nerve racking and provide a sense of control when I was out of it. Sometimes it gets so bad I bleed. Pale skinned band aids are my hallmark product. I’ve probably worn out thousands since middle school.
But as embarrassing and annoying as it is, I still do it. I’ve tried to stop so, so many times. I’ve filed the rough edges of my skin, carried around lotion to keep things smooth, used band aids and gels to cover them, and tried to develop other, less harmful habits to take its place. I even made it a challenge for one of my students to catch and stop me in the act. Nothing has worked.
For 12 years, half my life, I’ve been doing this to myself. I want to stop. I need to stop. And I’m coming to you here for some help. While I welcome any advice and tips you have, by simply making it public I’m hoping to face it like I never have before. My thumbs are usually shy around others – you won’t catch a glimpse unless you’re really looking. But hiding isn’t giving me any inspiration to stop.
So, there it is. I said it and I showed it. And while you might be a little disgusted, I hope you can take part in helping me overcome whatever it is that’s causing me to do this. If you’re a friend, bring it up. If your a stranger, check in with me. I’ll be posting updates every now and then through the summer in an effort to stay conscious and work toward breaking the habit.
If this is sounding like a cry for help, it is.
- Jeff
If I see you biting your thumbs, I will chop them off with a butcher knife.
My nana use to babysit kids, and to get them to break their habit of sucking their thumbs she would rub vinegar on their thumbs…you could try that (unless you happen to like the taste of vinegar then nevermind).
If that doesn’t work you can try contacting A&E about being on their new season of “Obsessed”. lol
Beware the errant scratch when you’re around Erika.
Thumbs up for finally stop being a freak!
I love you
I suggest finding a new bad habbit ….
I suggest going for regular manicures. Your hands will feel and look so good you won’t want bite your nails. Your first appt might be scary.
Love,
Dad
I sucked my thumb until about 2nd grade. My parents put Tabasco sauce on my thumb every night to get me to stop sucking it. It didn’t work though…..because they put it on my right thumb and I am left handed. My seven-year-old self pointed this out to them….but they thought I was lying.
Anyway! There’s a tip…it might sting though!
Hey Jeff, it’s Andy (Chase’s friend.) Last time we talked, I mentioned I would put you in touch with my cousin who works for New Leaders for New Schools. Since I don’t have your email address, this is the only way I could think to get you her contact info. It’s mlowenstein@nlns.org. Her name is Margot L. Simmons. She’s involved in recruitment but I’m unsure of her exact title. Feel free to reach out to her; she’s very friendly. In other news, I LOVE your blog, especially your post “Be Like Me.” Really struck a deep chord in me. Best, Andy