Certainly it shouldn't be a one way thing. If someone uses skype, everyone else has to ? There should be more negotiation among "friends", not forcing others to use certain popular programs. What if I don't like being spied on by M$ and every three letter agency ?

Well, whatever, don't bother with me. Jump on the bandwagon and use skype ... because everyone else does or will pretty soon, because they'll be forced to by the bandwagon.

Both Skype and Google hangout/video chat are good choices. If both you and your wife google accounts already, google video chat would be very little extra work. In my experience, Google video chat has worked very well and quite convenient.

Skype is also available on mobile devices.