reading question

Question

“she has felt like a woman balancing on a wooden nickel heart”

Answer 1

Hi Kate: Back in the day! before we all used credit and debit cards all the time, money transactions were done in cash or with checks. Once upon a time, a nickel was really worth something. Today, we barely use them or pennies at all. The phrase 'Don't accept any wooden nickels' meant, don't accept something that is fake thinking that it is real. So, if she is balancing on a wooden nickel heart, how real are these feelings for either herself or someone else. CW

Answer 2

Without any further context I can't say for sure. According to multiple sources (Wikipedia, Urban Dictionary), a wooden nickel is a lighthearted reminder to be cautious. So the woman could be weighing whether to take a risk(s) she is not accustomed to taking. Hope this helps.