this may sound weird but is holding and rubbing your stomach a paternal instinct? i know it’s weird but i literally sat down at my desk and held the bottom of my stomach and when i realised i did it i was like why have i just done that? 🤣 (i am not pregnant or don’t think i am) then i was standing in the kitchen rubbing my stomach in a circle motion???

I don't think it necessarily has to be parental, I think touching our stomachs can be comforting. If you think about it dogs, cats etc often like having their tummies rubbed. I think it's nice to appreciate your body and touch in kindly in that way.