It happens. Best advice is to play some blitz with friends otb; get used to having to recognise positions quickly. Good luck!

Edit: on the off chance this was Bristol, hi!

While I don't play chess, I've experienced and heard others experience the same issue with playing go (baduk).

I think it's somewhat common and it'll go away as you play in person more. It's much nicer to play on a physical board, I've found, and a much friendlier experience to be able to look at your opponent during.

Yeah as a kid I used to play on the board with my cousins, then moved online. Occasionally I play on the board and takes a while to get used to it but get used to it after a few games. The same happens to me if I change the theme on lichess or play on a different looking board too! It'll take no time and you'll be used to it

Yeah I just got a board and have been playing against students and have made some really dumb moves because I don't notice things as easily. Something about the perspective is messing with me too.

After playing online for a while, every time I go back to a real life board, I feel blind! It's an adjustment.

I've been thinking of hitting up a local chess club at a bar too and will probably have the same problem.