Hi Mel, welcome to the site
Having a 'misses' who also loves riding pillion, I have had to make a lot of compromises in my riding style and bike choice which has helped a lot with taking bike virgins out for a spin.
1, bought a vfr 800fi (not the vtec) great for long distances and very comfy. Also got decent grab handles and a great uncramped sitting position for the pillion. 2)got a tribo seat cover, a MUST HAVE - stops the pillion sliding their bum around ,therefore making them feel part of the bike as opposed to hanging on the bike 3) A decent intercom, being able to talk to each other realy puts a newby pillion at ease. 4) Have a grab handle belt which is easier to hang on to than trying to grab hold of my tight leather jacket.
A gentle learning curve for a pillion is much better and enjoyable for them; build speed up slowly, brake easier and earlier, slowly increase the lean angle. The pillion will then progress into a bike lover.
Too often I have witnessed girls getting off the back of their boyfriends gsxr/blade/ninja looking pale and shaking as they had never been on a bike before and thier 'loved one' has just tried breaking the sound barrier on one wheel 'as a laugh'.

Oh well, rant over
Ride safe, might see you around then fellow Axminsterion
Mykee