I'm biased!

Either Sig or Beretta. If you go with a polymer frame, chances are good, it'll cost less. Both brands I mentioned make um.

Check out the Smith & Wesson Shield in either 9MM or .40.

This is a very general question that has been asked countless times, your going to get alot of answers so lemme sum it up for you.

Sig Sauer P250 / 2022
Glock
Smith and Wesson M&P Series
Springfield XD(m) series
Ruger Sr9/40, LC9
Kel-Tec
Kahr
FN (FNP, FNX, FN?)
... ... ...

You have alot of options dude, I say Glock like always, but go out to a gunstore and pick some out.

If you don't want to carry now but think you will consider getting something compact anyways

Jakeleinen1 is correct, you do have a lot of options out there for you. Best thing is get out handle what's in your price range, shoot your buddied pistols, rent from a local range if you can, see what feels best in your hand. Not looking for CCW, so look at the full sized pistols. Compacts and sub compacts are harder for new to pistols people to shoot well.
The Kel Tec P-11 9m/m is an outstanding choice for a pocket carry pistol but it is not a pleasant pistol to shoot so you might wish to skip that one for a first pistol. I have one in my CCW pistols for use when size must determine what I carry and gets run through the range drills like all the other CCW's but it is never one that gets taken out for just fun shooting.

Sig P250 or SP2022.....SP has changeable hand grips for smaller hands that may make it more comfortable for wife, low recoil and accurate, lifetime warranty and is about 450.

I just bought my Springfield XDs as my first pistol and love it.

Glock 19 — and you will never regret it..