A Father's Regret

I've been the daddy in my adult relationship for years now. It started as a way to reconnect with my inner child and help my partner feel secure and loved. But lately, I've felt like I'm more of a babysitter than a sexual partner. She craves discipline and guidance from me that feels less about eroticism and more about controlling her every move. Last night, she got upset when I suggested we try something new and playful in bed. Her eyes filled with tears as she told me she just needed me to be her daddy, not her lover anymore. It broke my heart seeing her pain, but it also left me feeling lost and unsure of myself. We're still together, but the spark seems to have faded. I'm trying to figure out how to balance being a dad who provides stability with the man she once fell in love with.