Ask Amy: Forms of address evolve all the way to M
If you know the person’s name but don’t know them well enough to simply address them by their first name, you can use both first and last names: “Dear Stacy Glockenspiel…”
When you receive an email reply, the person’s preference of address will likely be noted in their signature line. Many people lately also note their gender-address preference (they/them, she/her, he/him, etc.).
For first-time contact with a department, you can address your email: Dear Hiring Manager, or Dear Human Resources Rep, or Dear Friendly Recruiter.
I’ve heard of some people using the salutation: “Dear Gentleperson.”
Using this might take some extra confidence on your part. It has a certain Jane Austen flair, with a touch of whimsy -- but I like it.
Dear Amy: I’m an involved aunt. I travel three hours, each way, to stay involved in my adult sister’s children’s lives.
I work two jobs, am heavily involved in my community, spend time with my aging parents who live in a different state, but often take PTO to ensure that I’m an active aunt. I truly love that role.
I can’t remember the last time my sister, alone or with her family, traveled to see me.
She finally did travel to my city but chose a time in which she knew I’d be away (I was spending the holiday with our aging parents.)
When I suggest dates to visit me, the 9-year-old niece always has a sports obligation (she’s involved in three sports.)
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