Grad School Drama

I'm a grad student in my late twenties and I've been exploring some DDLG dynamics with my partner, who's several years older than me. We started as equals but after some discussions about our interests, we decided to take on the roles of little and caregiver for fun and intimacy. It was all consensual and negotiated every step of the way. Initially, it was just playtime when we were alone together at home. I would act like a child in need of care or guidance while he played the role of a nurturing adult. We both found it very fulfilling emotionally and sexually, there's something about letting go completely that is incredibly freeing. As our relationship evolved, so did these dynamics. Our playtime sessions became more frequent and we expanded them to include activities like tea parties where I would dress up in kid-appropriate attire and he would read stories to me before bed. We'd joke about being stuck in the 'little bubble' together but it was always clear that this wasn't reality for us. However, during one session, things got complicated when a friend of mine from school stumbled upon us unexpectedly while I was fully in character, dressed as a kid and engaging with my partner who was acting like an authoritative figure. He seemed shocked at the sight and quickly left without speaking. Afterward, I felt guilty about potentially embarrassing him and worried if he thought there were issues with our relationship. My partner and I sat down to talk about it afterward. We reaffirmed that this is just role-play and not reflective of who we are outside these sessions but admitted there's a chance my friend might have misinterpreted the situation. It sparked some deeper conversations within us about boundaries and how far we're willing to push them in public spaces. Ultimately, I'm still here figuring things out, trying to find that balance between embracing our interests fully while respecting others' comfort levels and societal norms. This exploration has definitely shaken up my perspective on what it means to play a role but it also strengthened our bond as we've navigated these complex dynamics together.