I think it's a sweet gesture...but I know where that tongue has been ha ha! I did teach Maverick "can I have a kiss". When I say that he will touch his nose to my lips. But to each his (or her) own.
As as far as the bedridden thing, I don't have your experience, but I've had pneumonia for the past week and Maverick only leaves my side to go to the bathroom. He's been super cuddly with me and it is comforting!