WHY WE TOUCH OUR HEAD AFTER BUMPING INTO SOMEONE: A GESTURE OF RESET?
In the narrow alleys of Asan or the crowded corridors of a local bus, it happens in a flash. A shoulder brushes against another, an elbow nudges unintentionally, or someone steps a little too close. Almost instinctively, one or both individuals touch their own heads. This light touch often comes with an awkward smile or an apologetic glance. This simple gesture doesn’t have an official name, but it carries significant social meaning. Why do we do it? In a culture where apologies tend to be understated or implied, rather than spoken, this brief tap on the head serves as a nonverbal expression of remorse. It conveys a silent understanding: "It wasn’t intended. I mean no harm." Unlike a formal “sorry,” which can seem too heavy for minor incidents, the head-touch strikes a balance between recognition and humility. It serves as both a gesture of self-rebuke and an offering of peace. However, there’s more to this than just a soft apology. This act, though often unconscious, ...