Exploring New Territory

I'm a nurse in my thirties and have just started exploring the world of DDLG. My partner is much younger than me, but we're both adults, each fully aware that everything between us is consensual role-play. We've been playing this dynamic for a few weeks now, and while it's incredibly exciting and new, I find myself questioning how to handle some aspects. There are times when my feelings overwhelm me, making me feel like I'm stepping back into a relationship from decades ago, yet all the while knowing we're just playing a role right here and now. Is that normal? How do others manage such intense emotions within this framework without losing sight of reality? Any advice or personal stories would be immensely appreciated.