Apologies if this gets posted twice, I'm having some problems in
google today.
I have a question regarding the appropriate close in an email, with
two particular situations in mind.
One is with someone I met about a year ago and with whom I have
maintained an email correspondence, and to whose home have been
invited next time I visit France. Til now, we have corresponded in
English, and our emails ended in "Best Regards", but we recently
switched to writing in French. Her last email to me ended with
"Bises." I have always been under the impression that "bises" is
reserved for family members and very close and long-term friends.
In the other situation, I received an email from the sister (whom I
have not yet met) of my boyfriend, and her email was signed "Je
t'embrasse". Again, I thought this was reserved for family/lovers/
very long-term friends.
The whole formal/informal, "tu"/"vous" concept confuses me. My French
tutor has told me that one NEVER uses "tu" or gets too familiar or
friendly ever, unless one is explicitly asked to use "tu", and that
people frequently know each other for years without ever moving to
"tu". Yet everyone I have met in a social context and corresponded
with has immediately used "tu" with me right away. I'm hesitant to
use "tu" back, or the friendlier email closings, because I fear
offending someone.
Any suggestions/advice appreciated -- I'm delaying my replies to
emails because I'm not sure of the appropriate closings. :)
|
