As a man struggling to float in a sea of adept swimming females, I've been on the verge of sinking, especially in coming to grips with why women always carry around handbags. I have not once met a woman out and about without a handbag, ever. And there has to be some reason behind this, one would assume, right?

So, I inquired to myself what it is exactly that allures ladies to these bags they commonly tote around.

There are obvious differences between men and women, clearly. As men, we pocket a wallet, and on occasion will carry a shoulder bag, depending on our destination. Yet, women will always carry around a hand bag or purse, no matter where they're off to.

But, why the difference? What factor separates us as men and women in our carrying needs?

It's A Matter of Bagology...erm, I mean, Biology:

Through some research, I discovered that women are instinctively driven to be carriers and providers. Females actually need to carry something to hold possessions as it was and still is a fundamental need rooted in biological and physiological makeup.

By nature, women are caregivers. And in a familial environment, women's roles have naturally evolved toward ensuring everyone with whatever they need. Throughout history women were responsible for raising children, which required readily available items for their children usually held within some sort of 'bag.' Consequently, the need to carry handbags full of items she or her loved ones might require has been instituted a long time ago and is currently the norm.

Hey, What Do You Have In That Bag?:

Women, a side from being nurturing and accommodating to loved ones, are quite mysterious in their ways, as are the contents of their handbags. To possess a hand bag is to be hush-hush, but it's also a bit enticing. The fact that items in a handbag are concealed is captivating to men and other onlookers. As silly as this may seem, it's all too true; men are often intrigued by what is in a woman's handbag.

And it can be safe to assume that based on the contents of a woman's handbag, one can get an idea of a woman's personality, no matter how bizarre or random her belongings are. A handbag is the key to a woman's real self.

Fashionably and Socially Yours:

Mysterious or not, women and handbags go hand in hand. The most discernible reason women are 'bag-ladies' is due to an appreciation of fashion. Let's face it, women are fashionable and they enjoy looking snazzy. As women are well aware, to tote around a handbag is to accent an outfit. And women love to accessorize their wardrobes, especially with just that right purse or handbag.

But, even beyond just fashion and sporting a cute purse, handbags have become a way to socially rank your self as a woman. The quality, worth and style of a woman's handbag is directly related to their status in society in terms of their income.

Sink to Swim:

I've come to understand why women are attracted to handbags. Women are naturally inclined to be nurturers, carriers and providers. Hence, they've become accustomed to using and carrying handbags. Whether or not they're mystifying men and other onlookers blatantly or inadvertently with what they're toting, women are unquestionably prepared.

Ready for anything through the mere contents of their handbags, two things are clear: women have certainly become excellent at confusing their opposite sex and to understand women's handbagging ways as men, you've got to first sink to swim.