Handbags come in all shapes and sizes and they are all needed, but the oversized handbag gets the most use. It's just right for mothers of small children and babies. Their handbag is usually stuffed with a baby's bottle, a spare napkin, a bib, a jar of baby food and spoon and the latest favourite teddy bear. It needs to be big.
The mother of teens also needs a big bag. Hers is used to stuff that forgotten school project or sports/dance uniform into. Not to mention the sports drink or bottle of healthy water, some deodorant, tissues and a snack - and the latest TV guide. Money, or credit cards - or both - must fit in, too.
By the time women reach menopause they have even more need of an oversize handbag. With all those hot flushes, you need to have somewhere to stash that discarded vest and long johns. Then there are those arthritis and BP pills, the letters you forgot to post and a special cardholder for senior's cards, hearing aids, spectacles and next-of-kin details in case you have a heart attack.
The young single working girl has the best life; she doesn't develop a sore shoulder from the weight of her bag, though she may choose an oversize one just for the look of the thing. She will have her tissues and deodorant, and maybe some make-up. Oh yes, her mobile phone and MP3 or iPod needs a home too.
