A part of the brain involved with self-awareness, called the insular cortex, appears to be linked to why a tender stroke on the skin can feel nice
Source:
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2199487-a-touchy-feely-part-of-the-brain-helps-you-enjoy-a-gentle-caress/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home