I have a Berretta Tomcat, 32 ACP pistol which is accurate and fun (comfortable) to shoot and carry. I also have a somewhat more powerful S&W 432-PD, Airweight, 32 H&R MAG, Snub-Nose Revolver - which also shoots and carries nicely.
The Beretta Tomcat has a tip-up barrel feature which enables the shooter to load or un-load a chambered round without having to manipulate the slide.
A couple older friends (my age) both bought Ruger LCP 380 pistols - and both do not like shooting them. Recoil.
There are a lot of good quality / performance Sub-Compact 9MM Pistols out there that are well suited for your carry needs and desires. Go out and look at several handguns, and shoot them if possible . . . But just by physically holding a handgun in your own hand - may just better tell you which handgun is the right one for YOU - than can a friend, gun salesman, or even Campfire expert -
- IT FEELS RIGHT!
In a 9MM Sub-Compact Pistol, I would choose a Beretta Nano or a Ruger SR-9C.
And that is just a personal preference.
