Learning to Purl Continental

[MAmaDawn]

OK so a I have been knitting for several years and I learned to knit English style.

Last year I tired to learn Continenal and I can knit (although it still slow compaired) but I couldn't get purling.....

Well I just tired again and using my middle finger is just VERY awarkward. I can do it now , but I found that I want to use my thumb instead. I don't want to keep doing it that way if it's going to make problems for me later.... what do you think?