Everyone has different preferences, straight man here and I always want cuddles. It depends on what your “love language” is i.e. how you prefer to give/receive affection.

For me cuddles and other forms of non-sexual touch (not that I’m asexual, far from it) are my preference for giving and receiving. Acts of service, like cooking a meal etc. I’m fine with giving but it makes me feel awkward to receive. And gift giving (random flowers, chocolate, trinkets, etc.) I prefer not to do because trying to come up with a good gift stresses me out and I don’t like random gifts, I really appreciate the thought but if I don’t find a use for it, including being a decoration I like, I don’t want it.

But like you said, you find a middle ground with your partner and I do the same as well.