If you've done your own nails all your life, here's what you are missing: relaxing soap bubbles and a gentle touch. And the way nails can look.

Driving home from a manicure, you may get mesmerized by newly colored nails and forget to watch the road. Be careful.A pedicure is even more dangerous. You'll have this compulsion to take your shoes and socks off in the office, or while you're sitting idly in church, just to stare at your toes.

At first you may miss your hangnails and heel calluses. You may awaken in the middle of the night and wonder what's wrong, then realize that your feet and hands are gliding too smoothly o'er the sheets.

You soon get used to pampered digits. You sleep again. With the first light, you stretch your toes and fingers out of the blankets and watch them dazzle pink in the morning sun.

Then they chip, of course. Fingernails within the week, but toenails not for several months. If you don't have another appointment with your professional, you have to remove the polish and file your nails yourself. Just like you used to. Only now you'll feel deprived.

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Then you'll call again and make an appointment with a professional. - Susan Lyman-Whitney

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