Yes, I was thinking what Rickyd said! How about your hood? It is common for new divers to find the hood constricting on the throat. If this is the problem, I tell students to try the Henderson Hyperstretch hood. It will run ya around $40, & will ease the constriction around your neck. I'm wearing mine now.
Also, I recently observed an OW student salivating uncontrolably due to the mouthpiece feeling foreign in his mouth. Hey, it's kinda like a gag, so maybe you are getting a gag reflex.
I second what everyone says about not worrying about pleasing your husband. I fell into that trap. Everyone can only move at their own pace, & if that means he has one buddy & you have another, at least you are on the same boat sleeping in the same bunk & sharing underwater stories. Be patient with yourself & if you have more questions, just post!