Frankly, I think it's a lovely example of how rude people have become to each other, in general. Compound that with a general trend I've observed over the years, which is that a lot of couples start to forget the basic niceties and decorum of good manners, i.e., please, thank you, excuse me.
I've been with my husband 17 years now. We are extremely polite to each other, to the point of sounding old fashioned (anymore). Let's take the example of holding my purse while I go to the lady's room (I can think of many reasons NOT to take a purse into a lady's room, not all stalls have hooks and sometimes they don't have proper toilets but flushometers, then where do you put the damned thing?). I would say "Excuse me, honey," (wait until I have his attention, he has ADD) "would you please watch my purse for me?"
As to why watch the purse, every fucking thing I own is in there! Would you place your wallet on a bench while you're arms are tied up putting on a coat? Replacing credit cards and ID is an enormous hassle. It is so easy for someone to grab a purse and walk off with it, especially if the guy's attention is distracted say, talking to a buddy.