"After almost 40 years of marriage, my wife and I have started the process of obtaining a handgun for the first time."
I guess the marriage counseling didn't work? Lol. I'm kidding. Congrats on your first firearm.
My wife wanted a new carry piece for her birthday. After handling the .380s, and the Ruger LC9, she picked up the
S&W M&P Shield in 9mm, and almost immediately said
"That's it!".
She left the store with the Shield, singing, "Happy birthday to meeeee!" '-)