I realise that many years ago about growing my own instead. I just could not adapt to false ones and found them troublesome too.

The key to your own nails is really to look after them and keep them clean, regular use of nail clippers and especially a file is a must to keep them in shape. Also, they do not need to be long to look good either. Once you apply nail polish on them, they will look as good as the next girl. At the end of the outing etc, just get nail polish remover/cotton wool and hey presto, clear again.

Strangely when I go out, I always tend to get compliments from other girls how they look and again they are not long, just kept in shape.

I manage ok with just a nail file. Always wearing gloves when doing the washing up is a must for me too.