Feeling Guilty Over Snacks

I work from home as a freelancer and take care of my partner who likes to role-play as a young child. Usually, we keep the environment clean and organized because that's part of our dynamic where I'm the caregiver and they feel safe in this structured space. But yesterday was different. There were some cookies on the kitchen counter, just one little package left, and it reminded me so much of being told ‘no’ when I was younger about eating sweets without permission. My partner had specifically asked me not to snack since they’re trying to maintain their diet, but I couldn’t resist the temptation. As soon as I took a bite, I felt terrible, that sinking feeling in my stomach and guilt creeping over me like shadows after nightfall. It’s one thing to be playful and role-play our little-big person dynamic, but breaking a simple request from someone you care for is different. The weight of it stuck with me all day, even though the act itself was small and harmless compared to other things we do together.