the custom in english - speaking countries is very different. for most english - speaking people, the head is no more special than the hands or the shoulders ; each is just another part of the body. foreigners do not have the custom of bending their body to pass an older person - they like to stand up straight. also, if they need to reach over someone's head to get something,they don't think this is rude. if they accidentally touch someone on the head,they might say,"I am sorry'" but not feel very bad