Writersoul
Why does it matter if he is a cousin or stranger? And by the way there are stories where people who grew up as friends married each other later. You realize the childish stuff was just you both being kids. Once you are adults it’s very possible to have romantic feelings for each other especially because you know and like each other. Theres an old Klal and most non Jews (at least the men) will agree with this: Men and women can’t be “just friends.” Sorry but even if for some reason you can’t imagine him as anything more than a friend if he’s a healthy male and you are even moderately appealing romantically he will want more even if he keeps that only in his head and never acts on it. If he is married maybe there’s less room for concern that he will look at you that way but either way there is no hetter for opposite gender cousins to be chummy chummy. I’m not saying you can’t be friendly but it’s enough to chat for a few minutes. Shmoozing for a half hour or more is definitely out of line unless it’s an important and necessary discussion and not just small talk and chatting.