I started riding about the same time last year as you. The guys that were on the board when I did can tell you that it was not an easy experience for me. I tried pushing myself too hard too quickly, and nearly gave up altogether in less than a month of riding. However, like you, I knew, absolutely knew, that I could do this. I just had to get over the hump.
You know what you did wrong, now you need to move past it. I think that the other guys are right- build positive memories and set your own pace. I would throw out a couple more suggestions-
1) take another riding course. Especially if you are at the start of the riding season, this will force you to practice the basics that might be rusty and give you some confidence. I don’t know about where you are, but the group that I took the BRC from also offers a course for riders with their own bikes and a little experience.
2) tell your sweetheart that you know he loves you, and you appreciate his support, but you’d like to do some riding on your own for a few weeks. This will completely eliminate him as a factor in your rides. You aren’t going to be trying to keep up with him, and you don’t have to think about whether you are doing what he wants you to do (speed, route, cornering technique, etc). If he is worried about you, tell him your route, how long you’ll be, and let him watch as you put your cell phone in an easily accessible pocket.
Best of luck,
owlie