In this Catholic’s humble opinion, manifestations of individual piety are according to Jesus’ teachings best kept to a mininum. Our Savior taught the faithful to pray in secret and the Lord Who saw them in secret would reward them. And we know how He compared the Pharisee to the publican when they prayed in the Temple.
JFWIW, when I pray the Confiteor, witness the Consecration & Elevation, say the Agnus Dei or the Domine non sum dignus, I strike & bow discreetly. Those who approach the celebrant and bow deeply and/or perform a double genuflection before receiving the Eucharist, “I tell you, they have already received their reward”.
OK, now call me old fuddy-duddy.
But if we say “Mea culpa” or strike our breast — even non-Catholics understand what that means.
And you aren’t an old fuddy-duddy.
You aren’t an old fuddy duddy. To be honest, as you do, I try to bow and strike my chest discreetly. I genuflect before the Blessed Sacrament. I do not do these things for me. I wish nothing but to show my love, respect and admiration for Our Lord. I do understand though, and for any folks of that sort, I completely agree.
Salvation, I tap three times, too, during the Confiteor.
As a student of the Sisters of Mercy, I nearly always incline my head when saying or hearing the name of Jesus.
It is imperceptible to anyone but me.
As for striking my breast, I grew up doing it three times so that is what just came naturally for me.