My Co-Work Friend Seems to be Acting Different?

So... I have a close relationship with my co-worker friend from India. We are just friends (as we both are married). He is here in the US working w/ me currently on internal projects together for the same company (he in India, and I in the US). What seems odd to me is how our relationship seems to have changed. He seems to be a bit more "bossier", "controlling",with me at work and outside of work as I try to take him places and entertain him here in while he is in the US (go to dinner, lunches...yada...yada...) I am a bit confused as to why he seems so different w/ me. Last year he was out here and seemed to be much more kinder and patience w/ me on the work and personal friendship level. We became extremely close as friends and only friends. Perhaps it is because he feels he knows me well therefore he feels comfortable being more dominate w/ me?? Is it part of the culture (btw...we have kept in close contact while he has worked in India through IM's, emails etc as we have a great friendship)?? It reminds me of the quote that goes something like this.... "familiarity breeds contention". I'm not sure how to handle him as I wonder if he is being this way with me because he is frustrated about our work project.... w/ me... or what?? I care greatly for our professional work relationship as well as our personal friendship and I don't want to let him down. I also am feeling a little hurt by how "tough' he seems to be w/ me and pushy... as I don't understand it nor do I know how to take it? Let me know your thoughts and feedback. Thanks!