When I Became My Partner's Daddy Again After Years Apart

It's been five years since Emily and I last saw each other. She reached out recently, saying she wanted to reconnect with her past. We met up, and there was an immediate spark of the bond we once shared. It wasn't long before we dove back into our dynamic as if no time had passed at all. Emily explained that she's been through a lot in these years, struggling with identity and independence. She missed having someone to look after her but wanted me to be clear about boundaries. We agreed on strict limits for physical intimacy until she felt ready again, which turned out not to be soon enough for my urges at times. As we explored this renewed relationship, I found myself slipping into old habits that caused tension and sadness. Emily would sometimes feel overwhelmed by the intensity of our dynamic, reminding me of her need for space and growth as an individual before diving back fully into a DDLG setup. This created a push-pull effect, where I was desperate to provide what she needed yet wary of pushing too hard. I'm writing this not so much to seek advice or attention but just because it's been eating at me lately. It feels like there's no one else to talk about these feelings with, given the nature of our setup and how few others understand the complexities involved in DDLG dynamics post-breakup and reunion. Emily has shown incredible strength and vulnerability throughout this process, and while I feel proud to be part of her healing journey, it also brings up guilt over my own conflicting desires for more closeness without pushing too far. The loneliness comes from knowing there's no easy way out, only a path forward where we navigate the balance between care and space.