Discovering My Kitten Side

After my divorce last year, I found myself drawn to exploring age-play dynamics with a dominant partner. It started as an escape from reality, a way to feel cared for and protected in a world that seemed increasingly chaotic. What began as role-playing games turned into more intimate scenes where I would take on the role of a submissive kitten under my partner's strict guidance. There was something thrilling about being ordered around, needing approval before stepping out of our secret little world, yet there was also a deep sense of peace and safety. The physical aspects have become incredibly explicit; we engage in all sorts of erotic play where I'm treated like an affectionate but obedient pet, kneeling, purring, and accepting punishments that are both playful and serious. It's a paradox really, finding freedom within the confines of submission. But here’s what confuses me: why does playing this part make me feel more adult than when I’m acting my own age? How do others reconcile these fantasies with their sense of self in the real world? I’d love to hear your thoughts.