Deborah, I agree with most everything you said except for this little item which I have to respectfully disagree with.Deborah wrote: As for additional safety, a nice snub-nosed Smith& Wesson .357 magnum in your purse can offer a sense of security also.
According to stats, a gun is FAR more likely to result in the death/injury of the gunowner than actually used succesfully in self-defense.
You may FEEL safer, but you're actually increasing the danger to yourself. If you must, make sure you get the training needed to handle the thing -- something I'm sure even the NRA would agree with me about.
I carry 2 pepper spray canisters . . . one on a keychain, another in a purse or jacket pocket.
Stay safe girls!