jdlott74 wrote:I used to be one of those women like your wife My husband was always around, I thought. WHY do I need to carry? I don't go places that I feel like I need to carry.
My turnaround was going to a self-defense class, which BTW did not teach CRAP about handguns. All it was teaching was the draw attention to yourself, do something to get away, and RUN. I'm a country girl and country girls don't run from anything. My dad was former Army, I lived in the country all my life and had an appreciation for guns, but never really shot them but my dad had them in the house.
My husband was in the military when we met, safe neighborhood and area, and was of course a good marksman because he was Marine Corps. He and his best friend were also armorers in the military. We went to the ranges and I enjoyed it. He tried for YEARS to get me to get my CHL, ever since we've been married (it's been 9 yrs). he preached and preached and basically tried like you to brow beat me into getting on and carrying because like you he said he couldn't be there all the time and protect me, now us (now me and my daughter). After taking that self-defense class I realized that running isn't going to cut it. With him being in school 3 nights a week, not getting home until 10 at night, working 10-12 hr days on the weekends (sat and sun), my DD and I were at home a lot without him. I had to do something to protect both of us.
Granted I will never be the gun enthusiasts that he and his best friend are, BUT at least I have my CHL, can and will use it if I have to and know I'm protected.
Don't push her, it's going to push her further away from it and she won't do it until she's good and ready.
Women have to make their own decision to carry. I am retired military (Go Army!) and I personally believe that given the "society" that we live in, we need to carry. Please let your wife make the decision.