Why are long fingernails better than short fingernails?

Do you like long or short fingernails? My friend is obsessed with long fingernails but I think they get all dirty and scratchy and are gross. She keeps rudely commenting on how short my fingernails are. They aren't though! They don't go past my finger, but if they did that would look weird because I have a long nail bed (really really long). so, in your opinion, which is better/prettier?