Touching or moving other people's handbags without permission?

[tiggycat]

A while ago my husband's niece came over and put her Prada bag down on the rug (my most expensive bag is a $300 Coach and I've only been at that level for a couple of years).

The cat was going for it (he likes to chew leather) while she was in the bathroom.

I stood in front of it until she came out and said 'you might want to move your bag - he chews' - but no way was I going to move someone else's bag.

 

[canadianprepppy]

My $0.02. Never touch another person's handbag without asking. Common sense really....

I was recently at the airport waiting at the gate when a strange man reached for my suitcase to move it because he thought his wife's double stroller would not fit down the aisle (it was only a small carryon and there was lots of room). I noticed right away but i was in such shock that someone would do this in an airport of all places.

Not cool. If that ever happens again I am telling airport security.

 

[krinkles597]

I don't move or touch anything of anyone else's (within reason) without permission. It really bothers me when people just grab my stuff without asking so I always make sure it's okay with the owner.

 

[heather123]

I don't think I'd be bothered by someone moving my bag to get by or move something else. But I would be bothered if someone attempted to move me or my sitting place--which was essentially what this person did to you. It's got little to do with the brand; it's got everything to do with invading one's personal space.

Exactly. This is an invasion of personal space, and the reason why I would dread it happening to me. The experience would be somewhat softened if the person said, 'Oh, I'm sorry. Didn't realize this was yours.'

 

[heather123]

Sorry - a stool is for sitting, not for storage.

Good point! I had forgotten about my annoyance when I show up in a busy cafe where the only free seats are occupied by bags. Granted, sometimes the bags are taking the place of somebody who hasn't arrived yet or has gone to the loo. But I still like an explanation as to why a bag is taking the place of a human being. Just the same, I don't like people touching my things without permission.

 

[KatNW1]

A while ago my husband's niece came over and put her Prada bag down on the rug (my most expensive bag is a $300 Coach and I've only been at that level for a couple of years).

The cat was going for it (he likes to chew leather) while she was in the bathroom.

I stood in front of it until she came out and said 'you might want to move your bag - he chews' - but no way was I going to move someone else's bag.

That time, I would have touched it. I would have told her when she came back to it, but I would have moved it out of the cat's reach.

And if she'd said anything to me about moving it, next time, Mr. Kitty would've had his way with it, and I'd let her suffer the consequences.

To me, that's a bit different than moving the bag of a complete stranger in a restaurant/shopping mall/whatever.

 

[KatNW1]

My $0.02. Never touch another person's handbag without asking. Common sense really....

I was recently at the airport waiting at the gate when a strange man reached for my suitcase to move it because he thought his wife's double stroller would not fit down the aisle (it was only a small carryon and there was lots of room). I noticed right away but i was in such shock that someone would do this in an airport of all places.

Not cool. If that ever happens again I am telling airport security.

And I don't blame you for that.

 

[joy&lv]

Good point! I had forgotten about my annoyance when I show up in a busy cafe where the only free seats are occupied by bags. Granted, sometimes the bags are taking the place of somebody who hasn't arrived yet or has gone to the loo. But I still like an explanation as to why a bag is taking the place of a human being. Just the same, I don't like people touching my things without permission.

You can always ask, "is this seat taken?" It is a fair question. I don't believe that seat should be "storage" for handbags and purses. So if the owner is sitting there, she/he can hold the bag in her lap (which I would do) if the place is crowded.

 

[joy&lv]

This.

I always assume that if I leave a bag out where people can touch it, they will (or their kids will). So I find a cabinet or back room to leave it in.

I teach my kids that you are not to touch other people things. Obviously, some people are not taught the same way. Where I had my bag was pretty much the "back room" and there were only two stools (because people weren't suppose to sit in there!) She did it anyways. I just don't people think hard enough before they do things (because it is convenient for themselves) or they are not raised right... sorry it sounds harsh but here it is.

 

[DiorDeVille]

I teach my kids that you are not to touch other people things. Obviously, some people are not taught the same way. Where I had my bag was pretty much the "back room" and there were only two stools (because people weren't suppose to sit in there!) She did it anyways. I just don't people think hard enough before they do things (because it is convenient for themselves) or they are not raised right... sorry it sounds harsh but here it is.

You're completely right, all people aren't taught the same thing. I try to avoid putting my bag where others might be tempted to touch it. Simply put, if it comes to a contest between a place to sit or a bag, then need to sit down is always going to win (and should, IMO, out of sheer courtesy for the comfort of others). I'd much rather have someone move my bag than stand in discomfort for fear of offending me.

 

[heather123]

Bags occupying seats is a very common thing here in Ireland! I don't do this myself as a rule, for the simple reason that a thief could come along and swipe it. Another reason is consideration for somebody who might want to sit in that space. I have had the experience where an elderly or infirm-looking person wants to sit in a seat next to me, even when there are other free seats. I would hate my bag to have pride of place while somebody struggled to find somewhere else to sit.

 

[earthx]

Sorry - a stool is for sitting, not for storage.

I'm totally agree with this!! and if it was me, I would probably do the same thing with the lady you mentioned. I love my bag enough to know not to leave them lying around in places where I won't be able to pay attention to them. Especially in public/crowded places. Putting a bag on the chair is ok, if you're getting your own table. If it's at a bar, on a stool or whatever. Then it is a big no no. In my honest opinion, a lady who left her bag lying around unattended shouldn't come out and complained when anything happen to her bag

 

[tiggycat]

That time, I would have touched it. I would have told her when she came back to it, but I would have moved it out of the cat's reach.

And if she'd said anything to me about moving it, next time, Mr. Kitty would've had his way with it, and I'd let her suffer the consequences.

To me, that's a bit different than moving the bag of a complete stranger in a restaurant/shopping mall/whatever.

Actually she didn't seem that bothered - she has a dog so maybe she doesn't worry about chewing. I probably would have moved it if it wasn't designer, but I'd never been that close to a Prada before!

 

[oggers86]

I wouldnt touch a strangers bag but if I needed to sit down I would ask if they could move it. I wouldnt want them touching my stuff either because they are strangers and its almost like an invasion of your space.

Friends/family I dont have an issue with, I wouldnt hesitate to move their bags if they were in my way and they wouldnt hesitate to move mine. I know they arent going to be really careless and dump it in a puddle or something or move it with chip oil all over their hands.

However if my bag was going to come to an untimely demise, i.e a cat/dog aiming to chew it or somebody about to spill something on it then I wouldnt care who moved it as long as it stayed safe!!

 

[chloehandbags]

I mean, I would never dream of moving other people's things just so I CAN SIT DOWN. The things on the chair means IT'S TAKEN! On top of it all, IT IS someone's purse! I would never dream of touching someone else's purse (designer or not,) unless, they ask me to hand it to them.

Has it ever happen to you?

I wouldn't, either, but I think most people think nothing of it?

Yes, similar's happened to me, too, but I never feel I can say anything, as no harm is ever meant.