Dumb question but do chameleons ever like to be pet or handled? Want to build trust...

[Msbr2244]

I forgot to add that in your picture it seems that the animal's eyes are retracted a little, they do that if their eyes are coming into contact with something. The fuzzy towel is the reason. That or your animal is a little dehydrated in the picture

This pix was taken this morning.
As far as dehydrated- i see him drink water from his dripper & I've read about checking his poop for his hydrating & it looks normal to me.
Thank you for you direction in caring for my cham.
I know the point here is to built a happy home for him so im grateful for the advice.
But i will add just this - i dont want a tv buddy, im not much into caring for things that need walks, training, and mass poop to clean after, nor things that put fur all over my house, or things that need cuddling.
Im happy to take a little redirection in my care for my cham if it helps me be a better care giver.
He is my 1st cham & it happened by accident but ive read alot about his diet & habitat, but as far as his normal behavior or ways of handling his seems to leave a lot of room for debate, im doing my best.
*learning as i go

 

[Chamaniac]

I know the answer is that they prefer not to be touched at all, but when my panther (5 months or so old) is sleepy he lets me rub his head a little and I was wondering if anyone knows if they ever actually like being scratched or rubbed on their head or dorsal. I have had other lizards that seemed to like it and I really want to build trust and be able to handle him a little.
He certainly tolerates it without fuss, but can any of you long time keepers comment on any handling that they seem to truly enjoy rather than just tolerate? I always make sure my hands are free from lotion or dirt. He generally doesn't gape at me unless I am trying to pry him off the screen top.
Any advice on what type of handling they like?

A lot of good information has already been shared in this thread. I recommend you listen to the "Stress" episode of the Chameleon Breeder's Podcast. It is a wonderful walk through both good and bad stress in chameleons, and speaks directly to handling.