Not Buddhism at all, that's not an image of Buddha. That's a Chinese laughing Buddha for which it is suggested in China you rub it's belly for good luck. In Buddhism, the head is sacred and kids from an early age are taught never to touch anyone's head.
As for the situation you describe, Steven Covey would have called that a 'paradigm shift'!
Best wishes :-)
Well, I can't explain the belly rubbing in that case. :)
Let's still lucky in Chinese culture! In Thailand kids, and adults rub my hairy arms! The only thing I can think of is that I'm a ginger and golden colour is lucky.
Perhaps we are both sharing things that we consider to be negative and turning them into positives and good fortune for someone else :-)
I like that thought!