What MamabeaCali said +1
I will also say Hiya Tracy, welcome.
I was similar to MambearCali in my political views, I grew up around them, my dad had them all the time, with the old fashioned gun case that is pretty with wood and glass. Just did not even thing to get one before.
I was in ROTC, got to shoot my first 50 caliber. I was an ok shot, and all that. Parents in military all my life.
Country boys, and men who were taught to be honest, hard working, and good to their women have always had a special place in my heart. Helps when your daddy is one example of those men.
Met Husband online not on dating site, but on gaming site. MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online game, because I am a dork/geek/nerd) we hit it off and have been together for 10 years now. We both did not have guns at the time, I had more training then he had, but now we both have our own. We have both been through training, and lots of it, and we both love our own guns.
Honestly did not think much about guns till I had my babies, and realized if cornered how would I protect them if attacked. A projectile that would stop an assailant before they could get to my babies is the best idea.
Got myself trained and very very familiarized with my weapon of choice. As I do I read a lot and learned as much as I could cram in as possible. Learned about the 2A trials and tribulations and have become a huge supporter, proponent for keeping our rights.
My best piece of advice for what it is worth (I have made my fair share of mistakes, and have seen my friends do so as well). Stop actively looking. I find when a person is looking sometimes unwittingly give off I am desperate to find some one vibes/reactions etc. Go do something you love, something that you have a blast in (not expecting to find anyone, just do it for fun). Go shooting, go on girls night at Blue Ridge Arsenal =). Meet some people have fun. Then you will find some one, that likes you, and likes the things you like to do. If you like to game, go game on a MMO, if you like to go kayaking go do that, and meet up with people who do, or camping, or hiking etc.
If you don't like going clubbing with loud music and lots of libations, don't go do that, don't find a pretty face there. Later on down the line you will not like that person doing that very thing you don't like, even though you met them doing that when you first met. That is a recipe for failure. Seems like common sense, but lots of people do make that mistake.

and good luck!