The Handbag Habit

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Most women carry a handbag at all times. We’ve all seen that famous sketch in Mary Poppins where the items in her bag are never ending. The reality isn’t so different. Most of us have a wealth of things stashed away, many of which we never need. But, we like to be prepared. To men, and women who never got into the handbag habit, this behavior seems alien. So, we’re going to look into what most women carry, and why they do it. The results may well surprise you.

Choosing the right bag is crucial. A woman’s bag is, in many ways, their most important object. It’s undoubtedly the main feature of their wardrobe. When you’re used to carrying a bag each day, the idea of not having one seems insane. So, we take a lot of time over our handbag choices. Some prefer larger bags, like those found at Welden, while others prefer a smaller option. Convenience aside, we all search for a bag that looks fantastic. Neutral colors are the safest bet because they match most outfits. There’s a reason most of the bags you see are either black, white, or beige! So, the perfect bag is a tall order, and can take a while to find. Until the perfect match is made, we have to struggle with changing our bag depending on our needs for that day. It’s no easy task!

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So, what do we carry in our bags, anyway? Men and bagless women will never understand what we need. But, for those of us in the habit, it makes perfect sense that we should take along everything but the kitchen sink. Okay, not quite. But, we manage to fit a lot in there! Surprisingly, we learn what to pack from our mothers. If your mom had a bag with everything you could dream, you’re more likely to have the same. Of course, we all have standard items - money, keys and phones. But, many of us go beyond that. A lot of us also pack menstrual pads, painkillers, and tissues. It’s possible that this is our maternal instinct kicking in. We may not need everything we take, but someone else might. Those people who look at us funny for lugging a massive bag around with us could well be the ones we save! And, once you’ve helped someone, everyone else will know they can come to you when they need to. So, the bag thing is a self-perpetuating cycle. It may have started because that’s what your mom did. Soon, though, you're carrying things because people expect you to.

But, why don’t men carry bags? Some men may opt for rucksacks, but few carry them with such determination as women do their handbags. As stated above, the maternal instinct comes into play here. But, there’s also a much simpler reason. Women’s clothes are tighter, and they don’t have as much pocket space. Plus, bulging pockets don’t do anything for a lady’s figure!

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by Iconic Chica Contributors