If you want “small” get a hat pin.
If she’s not going to the range every other week, forget the semi-auto.
Forget the light weight Ti stuff, because she’ll want to get the weapon back on target for the second shot.
.38 S&W w as long a barrel length as you’re willing to carry, up to 4”.
Practice & train with a qualified instructor.....NOT the person you’re sleeping with!
Emotions affect the way instruction is received and delivered.
My wife carries a Dan Wesson 15-2 .357 with a 2.5” barrel.
She started with a Colt pocket pistol .25 semi but outgrew that quickly.
“she’s not going to the range every other week, forget the semi-auto.”
Seriously? “Every other week”? Do you have dementia and forget that soon?