I’m questioning certain physical boundaries with one of my best friends. We’ve been friends for 7 years and are both touchy-feely people. Him (26M) and I (26F) are both single. He’s asexual, biromantic and is comfortable cuddling with any friend male or female (I’ve seen it). I’m straight, and how physically affectionate I am is more situational/dependent on the friend. I’ve cuddled and spooned with female & male friends (bi or straight) only when we’re really close, or they’ve had their arm around me while watching a movie, and I gave them all platonic forehead kisses. Sometimes I feel like it, sometimes I don’t. Alcohol is never involved.
I’ve not had any long-term relationships, however the one time I was in a short-term relationship, being touchy with guy friends suddenly felt weird. And I sort of suspect that I wouldn’t feel the desire to cuddle this guy friend of mine if I were in a relationship.
That leaves me wondering if I should be cuddling with him at all, even when single? Or if it’s normal for boundaries to change between being single and entering a relationship? I do not have any feelings for said guy friend, and I’m 99% sure he doesn’t for me. We have no romantic or sexual history. And because he’s asexual, there’s no sexual charge to it (he once told me he’s not bothered about anything below the belt), and I just don’t see him that way. It just feels comfortable, and it’s the ceiling of our affection.
I always thought friendships should stay consistent, but idk if I’m being too prescriptive. Curious for thoughts.
TLDR; Is it okay to cuddle with friends while single and stop cuddling with friends when in a romantic relationship, or should it remain consistent no matter the relationship status?