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True Confessions: I Can’t Deal with Long Nails

Long nails, a.k.a. “stiletto” nails, are wildly popular. From Adele and Rihanna to the waitress at the local diner, long and pointed tips are popping up everywhere.

Me? Sorry, I’m not a fan. In fact, I can’t deal with long nails. Not on me. Not on anyone.

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Sure, back in the day and to some extent even these days, wearers of long nails are thought to ooze with femininity.  Long nails declare that we’re successful and a bit of a vixen, in control of everything from our careers to our bedroom desires.  With long nails, we’re bombshells.  Long nails say we’re fun and flirtatious ladies because, you know, nothing says “come-hither” like a wink and a glimpse of our Edward Scissorhands.

Why I Can’t Deal with Long, Pointed Nails

See,  I’m a “let’s get to it” lady. All the fuss of filing, especially to a point, gets in the way of the things I want to do…now. Not 10 minutes after I file my nails, but in the moment and without worry:  trying on new shoes, peeling back a yogurt lid, rifling through my purse or tugging at the fitted sheets when making the bed.

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So I suppose my real issue is one of convenience. Nails that barely crest my fingertip are more than plenty for me. They’re long enough to look nice or to help me satisfy an unexpected itch, but short enough that I don’t impale my best friend.

Reason for short nails #1,476: You can type better.

Especially as a writer, daggers make me feel as though my writing process is actually slowed down, holding me back from my ideas. At my laptop, long nails distance me from my thoughts, a gap between my fingers and the words I type. Long pinkie nails often strike a wrong letter, their length having a mind of their own. 

My nails are writing, not me. There are too many “backspace” hits to correct my nails’ unpredictable keyboard behaviors. It’s annoying. To get back on track, I break out the clippers.

Some people re-charge with a smoothie or brisk outdoor walk, but getting rid of too-long nails works, too.

Short Nails = Stylish Nails?  Yes!

Because I prefer short nails doesn’t mean I lose out on all the fun nail colors or anything.  In fact, I’m all about nail art trends, rocking amazing shades from Revlon.  I’ve enjoyed the peel ‘n stick nail art, like to wear a variety of colors and play with sparkles.  I’ve had compliments on my festive holiday nails, my pumpkin art on Halloween and my July 4th nails…despite the fact that they were very un-Fergie in length.

In, um, short, long nails don’t do it for me. It’s hard to understand that stiletto nails would be preferred for any reason. However, I was raised to see the good in the bad.

Hmmm.

Well, I suppose they can double as toothpicks. Or come in handy for those annoying times when that bagel you ordered isn’t cut through completely.  And there’s always the joy of slowly dragging them along a chalk board.

Whatever your preference, here are some great nail colors to try.

Sparkly blue nail polish
essie® luxeffects Topcoat, $8.49 from Target
Lilac nail polish
essie® Nail Color – Lilacism, $7.79 from Target
Pale pink nail polish
OPI Classic Shades Nail Lacquer, Dulce de Leche, $8.00 from Drugstore.com
nail polish set
Revlon Nail Art Moon Candy Nail Enamel, $6.48 from Walmart
Nail polish strips
Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips, $8.50 from Walmart

What do you think about long, pointed nails? How do you prefer to wear yours? Let me know in the comments section below!