Author Commentary: Can I carry your purse?
This dialogue would not be unusual in my clinic. Because I see many women with neck pain or arm tingling, I really do feel the weight of the purses that are hauled into my office. The image of a carpet bag suddenly comes to mind. Some of my patients have changed to fanny packs or very minimal amounts of stuff in the purse. All the purses I see need a weight loss program.
Admittedly, I have just purchased my first purse. Hard to believe for a woman pushing 40. The store clerk was shocked when I told her, “This purse is my first.” After some contemplation, she then said, “Good for you, less years of using a purse is better for your spine.” Little did she know that she was talking to a spine expert.
Why did succumb to owning a purse? Hey, let’s be practical. Sometimes my outfits do not have pockets, and sometimes I do need to carry the phone, palm pilot, wallet, keys, and some self-defense. (Women should always be prepared with some form of self-defense.) Most of the time, I just have the wallet in the front pocket and my keys.
My husband teases me a little when I use the “purse”. What do men know about slinky dresses that have no pockets? Before the purse, I would borrow his pockets. So, I guess he might be glad to know that not only do I look damn good in that sexy dress, but now he does not have to haul my crap. Crap happens, followed by neck pain.
One Response to “Author Commentary: Can I carry your purse?”
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How funny that I would read this just now. I was bidding on this HUGE bag on Ebay. I mean H-U-G-E and I LOVED it. Someone outbid me at the last minute and I realize how lucky I am. I won’t be tempted to carry this suitcase-size shoulder bag with all the things I think I should have in such a large back. You know the types of things I’m talking about: book, notebook for notes on the book, camera, wallet, glasses, sunglasses, lipstick, aspirin, a jeweler’s loupe (ya never know!), several pens, emory board, chapstick, kleenex.
Did I mention that I’ve had neck pain for years? Yep. A neck sprain in the 80s has me careful about how I toss my hair around, but I’m still sloppy about how much I carry in my bag.
Ah well. I resolve to stop looking for that perfect (and super-sized) bag, and try to minimize my needs and my handbags.
Thanks Christy!