It depends on the intention. If the intention is romantic/sexual, then yes. But if the intention is platonic, then no.
Physical Infidelity
This is the most obvious form of infidelity, and it can be defined as anything from kissing, sexual intercourse, and intimacy to holding hands, caressing, or massaging.
Cuddling is typically a sign that a person is interested or has affection towards you, but it doesn't necessarily translate into love. Regarding how they feel about cuddling, some people believe may see it as incredibly intimate, while others enjoy cuddling even in platonic friendships.
The takeaway
"Cuddling is a form of touch that can be both sexual and nonsexual," Brown-James says. "The wonderful thing about cuddling is that it can also be something that is just comforting and relaxing, as your brain still releases feel-good hormones in the body from closeness."
Some men or women like cuddling because it makes them feel your protector. They like to feel strong and make you feel safe and loved. Oxytocin, released during cuddling, has been shown to increase trust, enhancing the feeling of making you feel protected.
"Cuddling, especially with someone you like, gives you a sense of closeness and relaxed intimacy that's difficult to find in other activities. If you feel comfortable with the other person, it kind of just let's you relax and not have to do much physically.
In the few reported studies on cuddling in committed romantic relationships, the average amount of time spent cuddling is about 30-40 minutes and occurs 3 to 5 times a week. Couples will typically cuddle in bed pre- and post-sex, as well as in the mornings.
If you want to show someone affection physically and make them feel secure, friendly cuddling is the way to go about it. It's also one of the ways to show care and support to your close friends as well as your significant other.
Psychologists in London claim they have cracked the code on the ideal embrace, saying hugs should last between five and 10 seconds. According to researchers at Goldsmiths university, longer hugs were found to provide an immediate pleasure boost compared to shorter ones (lasting just one second).
If you're in a romantic relationship with a guy and he cuddles you, it's likely a sign that he feels close to you and enjoys being physically intimate with you. Cuddling can be a way to express love, tenderness, and intimacy without necessarily engaging in sexual activity.
Infidelity, or cheating, is the act of being unfaithful to a spouse or other partner. It typically means engaging in sexual or romantic relations with a person other than one's significant other, breaking a commitment or promise in the act.
Being physically intimate outside your relationship
Physical infidelity is pretty self-explanatory. “It's typically construed as any type of touching, kissing, or sexual behavior with a person who is not your exclusive partner,” says Weiser.
Micro cheating refers to acts of seemingly trivial, inappropriate behaviors that occur outside of one's devoted relationship, often done unintentionally.
Platonic cuddling is any form of physical contact that doesn't cross the line into romance or sex. It may be a way of connecting with someone in a more intimate way without entering into a romantic relationship.
It can simply be an expression of the care that you have for each other, and it can take any form that is consensual and desired by each person. Opening up your friendship to include more hugs, hand-holding, kisses, cuddling, and more can bring in a level of connection and vulnerability that is completely new.
Cuddling is one of the ways humans express and experience touch. Spooning is a form of cuddling where two people lie facing the same direction, and one person's back presses against the other person's torso and chest. The position looks similar to the spoons stacked together in your utensil drawer.
Cuddling is an intimate activity generally reserved for romantic partners and very close loved ones. The act of cuddling can take many forms: embracing in a hug, spooning in bed, or snuggling on the couch.
According to a new study, the culprit is our old friend oxytocin, a.k.a. the "love hormone." Its levels shoot up whenever we make physical contact with someone important to us. It's widely understood that its reward system plays a crucial role in deepening the bond between two lovers.
In a study that debunks gender stereotypes, researchers looked at couples in long-term relationships and discovered that males enjoy snuggling and touching more than women do. However, men seek physical closeness just as much as women do, and many men like the sensation of being snuggled.
This is the most popular takeaway. “Men Need to Cuddle More Than Women,” says L.A. Weekly. “Guys like to cuddle more,” says MSNBC. “Cuddling key to happy relationships—for men,” says CBS News.
It means that the guy is very comfortable showing affection, and also indicates that he likes you (or the person that he wants to cuddle).
According to a research conducted by the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and reproduction, “Among middle-aged couples in committed relationships, tenderness is often more important to the man than the woman; regular kisses and cuddling lead to greater relationship satisfaction in men than in their partners ...