It's a great way to give someone an experience of being totally taken care of and free of any responsibilities. It's good for your body. Any book on therapeutic massage will list a number of positive, documented effects that massage has on the body and mind. It feels good. A smooth, gliding stroke during which the whole hand is in contact with the body, following the body's contours.
Effleurage is a great way to begin and end massage on a particular area.
Try to keep the palm of the hand in contact with the body along with the fingers. Be rhythmic, and alternate hands. A direct, focussed, compressing stroke. Thumbs, possibly braced, work well for this stroke. Be careful not to exert pressure with your fingernails if you have long fingernails.