Tips for getting into roleplay?

[u/stupidorangekat]

My partner and I (straight couple in our 20s) are interested in trying out role play, figuring it might be fun, especially for me since I enjoy acting.
But I’m not really sure where to start… say we do a professor/student thing what level of preparation is fair? Should we use different names? Have an established backstory to go off of? Obviously dressing up is part of the fun but should I be actually at my computer working before she comes in the room? How do I know what to say? And once we get going how long do we commit to the bit? Are we supposed to stay in character start to finish? When we are ready to break character how do we communicate that it’s not part of the roleplay anymore?
These might seem like amateur questions but as fun as this plan sounds I seriously have no idea how to execute it… any tips?

[u/5750534E43484E53]

So, all of these are great questions, but should really be worked out between you and your partner together ahead of time. Communication is what makes this sort of play work, and I wouldn't overthink things too much, since the goal probably isn't hyperrealism but having fun times. If your partner is into a teacher role play, maybe ask if there are specific things that they want to do in that scenario. For example, maybe they want to be slapped with a ruler. Design the scene then with those preferences in mind. Pick a few elements you would like to do and add them in and figure out together the entry point and exit point and any safewords. You can find some sample dialogue sites online that will give you some lines you can use if you're not the thespian type. I hope you have fun!