Realization of Desire

I recently came to terms with a kink that has been simmering beneath the surface for years. It involves a dynamic where I take on a more submissive role and someone else takes charge, dictating rules and boundaries that push my limits. The thrill comes from both the control and the vulnerability. What surprised me was how quickly this new awareness led to action, within days of realizing it, I engaged in an intense session with a partner who understood these desires intimately. We explored the dynamics of punishment as a form of mutual pleasure, and while it pushed my comfort zone, it also brought a level of connection that had been missing from our relationship. Now, I find myself questioning if this is just a phase or something more profound about my psyche. What do others think, does this kind of exploration usually signify deeper desires beyond simple curiosity?