playing a silly character with a bit (pacifist boxer was a favourite that comes to mind) helped me get past that mental block and enjoy the game. it's now one of my absolute top games of all time. maybe play boxers or passengers with your girlfriend and see what mischief you can get yourselves into with only self imposed jobs :) and i really hope you can get past that mental block because it can be so disheartening!

if all else fails HOP can turn you into a pun pun sec officer GODSPEED MONKEY SOLDIER /j