Confessions of a Playful Switch in DDLG Dynamics

So here I am, a grad student studying the intersection between psychology and literature. It's been an interesting journey, but today isn't about my thesis. Today is about a confession that has kept me up at nights, wondering if I'm the asshole or not. I've always been something of a switch in DDLG dynamics, sometimes feeling like a little one needing guidance and love, other times stepping into the caregiver role to support and nurture. This fluidity can be wonderful but it also means that sometimes things get complicated. Last month, I was deep in my 'little' phase with my partner, Alex. He's been incredibly supportive of my journey and we both agreed on maintaining boundaries - no physical contact unless explicitly stated otherwise. One evening, after a particularly draining day at the university library, I slipped into a more vulnerable state. It felt like the world was crashing down around me and there was this deep yearning for protection. Without any clear agreement beforehand, Alex stepped in with his caregiver persona on full display, offering comfort and care that I desperately needed but hadn't planned for. He created an incredibly safe space for me to just be myself without judgment or pressure. This wasn't part of our usual arrangement - he'd crossed the line out of love. Afterwards, while the experience was deeply enriching and affirming, there's been this lingering uncertainty gnawing at me. Did I overstep by not explicitly requesting it beforehand? Was Alex okay with breaking our own rules to meet my unspoken needs in that moment? Or is it totally fine because we're both adults who know each other intimately? I'd love to hear from the community - do you think I was right to feel this way, or am I overthinking things? How would you navigate similar situations where established boundaries are temporarily pushed for mutual benefit and emotional support in a DDLG relationship?