It's just a common statement that people make because they think anyone who carries a gun is a wannabe movie cowboy hoping for a chance to shoot it out with the bad guys.
Everyone has a different reason why they carry. Everybody carries to protect themselves and their family I believe, but what ultimately makes a person START carrying varies.
I am a person who has always been prepared. I take photographs of my firearms, electronics, and expensive items for insurance purposes. I have renter's insurance. I own a fire extinguisher. I have jumper cables and a first aid kit in my car. See where I'm going with this?
My firearm is my staff that comforts me as I walk through the valley.