Since I was very young, I would sit on the edge of a bed and run the 'sharp', unfinished edge of a sheet (or pillowcase or napkin) under my fingernail hypnotically over and over. Older now, I buy sheets that have a sharp unfinished edge, or bring home cloth restaurant napkins that have that same sharp edge. I spray them with spray starch, iron then till they are stiff/sharp. I then watch TV or fall asleep running this sharp edge of the sheet under my fingernails. I do it till the space under my fingernails even hurts. If I visit someone in the hospital, I will always sit on the side of the bed and instantly reach for the edge of the sheet. I've done it more as I get older. I wouldn't go on a long car ride, or plane flight without a stiffly pressed napkin. Obviously, my fingernails are always very clean.. I also successfully run a large business am happily married with two great boys, been sober for over 17 years. But I have never heard of anyone doing what I do with a crisply pressed sheet or ironed cloth napkin, nor do I know what it is called? I know the edge of the sheet is called selvage.

No I have not heard of this, but there are as many addictions as a person could image. I could see where it could be very unprofessional in business lunches, businesss trips on planes and in cars.

What happens if you just don't, can you go one day without doing it?

The definition of addiction is a behavior that causes problems in your life. Besides the concern, how does it cause you a problem? When it hurts your fingers do you stop?

Many people have obsessive habits, sometimes annoying, but they cause no problems even though we have no clue why we do it. I admit it's weird, but no more I think than those that are compelled to rearrange the spice cabinet, or their closets, or a clean freak.

Study up on obsessive habits/behavior and explore what it means to you, or ask your doctor for some insights into this.