Body heat must be involved. Simply being in close proximity doesn’t make for cuddling. I’ve been in jammed packed commuter situations with sweaty people. This type of body heat I do not mean. I mean the “ooooh la la, there’s chemistry” between us body heat. It doesn’t have to be romantic or sexually arousing. I cuddle with my pup all the time. It’s evident we love each other’s warmth and companionship. Friends can cuddle, too.
I think cuddling involves emotional, spiritual, and physical energy felt between those wrapped up in and under each other’s skin. If there’s no energy, then it’s not cuddling – it’s just taking up space. I can take up space with a rock, that’s not cuddling. I can cuddle with my pillow, because it absorbs my energy and returns it to me. If it is cold and non-reciprocal, but taking up space or in each other’s space, then it’s not cuddling.
Cuddling is to touch, what chocolate is to steamed milk. One makes the other much more thrillingly, tingly, nummy yummy delicious!