Maybe it’s because of the last few posts I’ve written between the two blogs that had to do with letter writing or maybe because of all the Christmas cards I wrote last week and are receiving and reading this week. Or maybe it’s because I was telling myself to start taking my own advice and in the new year to write real letters to real people. Whatever reason started my musings, I’ve been thinking about the way people sign off on their cards and letters.
Email got the world on the fast track of communication back in a different century. It’s been with us since the early 70s but businesses really took to it as a means of information sharing in the 1990s. Before the calendar turned that really big page onto a new millennium, just about every business in the world was conducting business correspondence by email, and tens of millions of individuals had signed up for personal email addresses.
The earliest email users still followed pretty formal letter writing styles with proper greetings, proper punctuation, full words, and even closings just like, well, just like mail. I know because I was among the earliest email users getting my first exposure to it in 1984. An obvious draw of email was the speed by which ideas could be exchanged. The rapid returns and replies took a toll on some of the niceties. “Yours truly” plus your full name became “Yours” and maybe your initials to just your initials. Today with the ability to pre-format signature blocks, an email is likely to be closed with more information that what might have been on a 1970s business letterhead! But when it comes time for the sender to actually close an email, we’re still struggling with things like “Yours,” or “Best,” or for the higher up corporate officers, “Regards.”
All this has seeped into personal letter writing, such as what still might exist. I look at some of the cards I’ve gotten this week and of the ones that have more than a “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays,” most senders added word or two, usually “Love,” but a couple “Soon” (one with a !), a few “Take care,” and one “Blessings.” (I liked that, and appreciated it too!) But if you told someone they had to use more than 2 words to close a letter, a real letter, not just a card, how would they do it? What would you write?
If I am going to start writing letters next year I better get on the ball now and figure out how I’m going to close them. What will be my personal sign off? “And you must now consider me, as, dear [sir or madam], your most obliged, and most humble servant,” has a wonderful sound to it but alas, Samual Johnson used it so often it’s become downright trite. But it is certainly better than a curt “Yours truly” or even a “Very truly yours.” But no, I need something somewhere between them.
Some ways I’ve decided I will not end my letters are:
- Sincerely yours (Of course I’m being sincere! I am writing, aren’t I?)
- Cordially yours (Of course, I’m being cordial! I am writing, aren’t I?)
- Affectionately yours (Of course I’m being affectionate. I am writing … oh, never mind.)
- Respectfully (Really?)
- Hugs and kisses (Cute, but not for everybody.)
In the running are:
- Always and forever, profoundly and affectionately, your dear friend
- With sincere best wishes for your health and happiness
- Stay well and happy, your dear, loving friend
- Please forgive my horrible letter writing
I’ll get back to you about what I decide. Until then,
I remain your humble and faithful servant, yours truly.
If you could do it all over again, would you? Could you? Read why we say you shouldn’t even have to ask if you take time now to review where you are in life and ready a reset for the new year in the latest blog post at ROAMcare.org.
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So funny, and very relatable! I ALWAYS struggle with how to close an email. For exactly the reasons you described. At work, I can usually get away with a thank you, but even then sometimes I’m unsure. So yes, please keep us posted on what you decide on your letter signature. I’m curious (and in need of inspiration). 😄
Sincerely/Regards/Respectfully/Best,
Kendra
My dearest Kendra,
How wonderful to have received and read your recent missive commenting upon this humble observer’s notion. Indeed I fear many others also similarly yet silently struggle. Indeed also I shall endeavor to keep you and all who may also review my weekly offerings apprised of any decisions I may draw.
With warmest respect and devotion, I remain humbly your faithful acquaintance,
Michael
You have me well and truly laughing now! And reading the back and forth between you and Vicki reminded me of something else… Years ago, as a newlywed, my husband thought he was paying me a compliment by saying I was “so cute and fluffy.” I still remind him of it every once in a while (in fun, of course – now, that is). 😂 But I agree that signing off with Fluffy or Fluffily Yours might not go over too well. 😆😆
I’m sorry, it I can’t help but trying to picture “cute and fluffy” – I’m certain it equals absolutely adorable. This post turned out much more fun that I figured! 😄
😆😆
I’m with Kendra — so very funny. And this?! Yes! “Today with the ability to pre-format signature blocks, an email is likely to be closed with more information that what might have been on a 1970s business letterhead!” So, so true! You’re giving me something to think about! I’ve been maligned for years for my ‘smiley’ closures to communication of all sorts — it’s just me! And while I temper it if I’m doing truly business/serious stuff, it’s a compulsion I can’t quit. My favorite sign-off is “Big smiles”. And the older I get, the less I care if it’s perceived as ‘fluffy’. Thanks for the morning giggles! 😊😊😊
“Big smiles”! That’s a closing I’d not thought of but now will always remember, and one that will always remind of you whatever context I read it in. Also, you’ve given me another to consider with “fluffy”. I love that word! It’s so descriptive and unambiguously so. Unfortunately, “Fluffily yours” just doesn’t seem right.
Stay smiling!! 😃
Your posts are always a smile! Thanks, Michael. I agree…I like the word fluffy, but it’s not a good fit for the purpose – LOL! 😜
No “fluffy” certainly wouldn’t be a good fit which is exactly why you know I’m going to try to make it fit! 🤣
Okay, Fluffy! I’ll believe it when I see it! 🤪
Great humor–and so true. I’m rather partial to “always and forever, profoundly and affectionately, your dear friend”. It covers all the bases and leaves no question about your heart’s attitude toward the person. A tad hyperbolic–but doesn’t that make it fun? Merry Christmas, Michael, my dear friend! Always and affectionately yours!
Thank you Dayle! Yes, that is a good one. That could come out the winner, seriously challenged only by “Please forgive my horrible letter writing” 😆
Merry Christmas to you also dear friend!
Hugs and kisses!