Is it best to be the one receiving the pet or the one giving it, that is the question? For the one who receives such a rub is having a light massage while the one who performs such an act is showing a tender touch. Normally you might conclude it’s best to receive then to give but when they turn to their belly for a scratch the whole experience gets mixed up. I guess it also depends on how soft the hair/fur is, how long the petting is asked for, and whether you receive a clean lick in between. Or maybe just as in the Chicken and the Egg it will never be solved so enjoy whether you give or receive…. a little scratch behind my ear would be nice.