Cheri
your story sounded pretty much like mine. Only i got tired of not finding any bikes within my price range and in my size at stores so i bought my bike on EBAY!
same thing. Got on the bike, straddled fine. I have long enough arms but my torso is apparently shorter than the average 5'3" guy!

I took the bike (a bianchi veloce like my avatar) to the lbs and they fitted me.
It feels better but I haven't had a chance to test it out very well since it's been a major busy week. I'll let you know.
Fitting made a big difference.
And you just have to educate your boyfriend about the problems we gals have
that guys don't even understand.
they can be uncomfortable on a bike and they can just move their boy
parts over to the side and... he's okay! now you try that
good luck
mimi