[Lie To Me]

I'm not really sure if this is classified as an obsession, but it's getting out of hand.

I started painting my nails as a regular teenage girl, but then realized I had a knack for it. Friends would pay me to do theirs and it was fun. Then I realized I started painting them when I felt..bad. If I feel alone or stuck, I'd sit there and do designs.. for hours. I spend multiple hours a day on them, at least 3 times a week. I have literally a suitcase filled with supplies. I lock myself in my room, (I know the fumes are bad but I can't smell any of it anymore) and I just feel so relieved after they're done. My anxiety starts to act up if I have nothing on them and I feel like people are staring at them. Just talking about me behind my back for that reason. It feels like they complete me in a way. I don't think this is a big deal, but I know something is off. Any comments? Here are some of the designs i do just in case you're curious.

Thanks.

[Yoda]

I am not sure if it is an obsession or not but they look awesome.

Hi!

I think you should open your own salon! You are really talented and you've found something that makes you happy and might someday make you wealthy. I wouldn't call it an obsession-you're not doing anything to hurt yourself or anyone else.

Some people won't go out without make-up. I feel wierd without my jewelry. You feel self concious if your nails are 'naked'.

I don't know if you've tried any other kind of art, but I bet you would be good at lots of them.

So don't worry. Have fun! Wish I could have you do mine.

[dontstopbelieving]

I agree with Tea&Sympathy above - maybe you could look into getting a job as a nail tech? Could help you channel your "obsession" (I don't know if I'd call it that?) in other ways so it's not just you locked up alone in your room.

You're quite talented!

I think of this as how I feel about wearing makeup. I can't leave the house without makeup on or I just feel...off for the whole day. If I'm feeling down, I usually try to pretty myself up a bit (fix my makeup, fix my hair, put on a cute outfit) to try to feel better. It helps my confidence, which helps keep my anxiety down.

[Porcupine_girl]

Hey there,

I just wanted you to know you are not alone. I also paint my nails incessantly. I don't do patterns but I will paint them and then remove the colour and do it again and again and again and this takes up hours when I am really stressed. The way I see it is that it is a coping mechanism and you are not harming yourself or anyone else so it can't be too bad for you, except for the amount of time it consumes and the money you spend on polish! Just be aware of what you so you can manage it.

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[PianogirlPlays]

I am an artist who now paints on my iPad . I paint every day. Love it! Paint many hours. Sounds like you are talented and creative. I am better off though when I don't worry about other people . How they think or feel or what they say. I lie it better when I just feel good about my work.

[unaluna]

Im a nail tech, it takes about 3 months of school full time, it varies by state. Mostly you have to learn the science and sanitation. But why not go for it?

[(JD)]

Oh my don't beat yourself up over this... either it will pass and you'll move on to another "obsession" or you'll make a career or avocation out of it.

I'll bet if we all (who are older) think back we can remember various times where " " was all we wanted to do or talk about... wow I went through a stage of collecting teddy bears (which I still have) and another stage of crafting (vented it into scouting)...

Go with it, love it, and if you need to later you'll move on. Nothing wrong with this type of self care and coping (unless it's costing you house and home.)

[Lie To Me]

Thanks guys, I guess I was overreacting. I'll see where I can go with this (:

[Elektra_]

Originally Posted by Lie To Me

I just feel so relieved after they're done. My anxiety starts to act up if I have nothing on them and I feel like people are staring at them. Just talking about me behind my back for that reason. It feels like they complete me in a way.

hi. what u wrote here it does seem ocd or some other form of a prob. u are compelled to do ur nails and if u dont u get paranoid about it and wont rest till u do. u should check it out. tc

p.s.: i loved the ones with butterflies

[JlSalem]

First off, you are very talented! When stress occurs, all humans require outlets for the frustration to get our minds off of it for a while. I don't think there is anything wrong with this, and I think perhaps you should begin to look for a job in a salon? Your work could be come famous in your area, with how talented you are!