When I was single, I was certain I would defend myself adequately if and when needed. I did believe I could take another's life if I had to. I did not carry frequently, let alone daily.
After I was married, I became much more protective of what I had. I would not hesitate to defend my wife or myself. She was not 'into' guns, but I carried much more often.
After we had children, I found a certain zeal to my protectiveness, but now the wife didn't want guns around the kids. My guns stayed in the safe, a lot. I did start acquiring more and more sharp-edged objects to carry around, a lot.
After some issues with a neighbor and being chased out of our community by his actions, well, I carry every day, including in the home. I open carry because I don't want to have to guess which roll of fat my gun is hiding under. Not only am I able, I am willing.
I do NOT want to shoot anybody (although certain political...nevermind
), but if anybody comes to do harm to me or mine, they will be shot, stabbed, perforated, sliced, diced, set on fire, have a dog sicced on them, kicked in the shins, bitten on the nose (possibly by the dog, not really sure), and they MIGHT even have 911 called on them.
Willing. Able. Committed.