Is there anything more exciting than reaching into your mailbox and discovering, amidst all of the grocery store coupons and Pottery Barn magazines, an unexpected, hand-written envelope, adorned with beautiful flourishes, elegant calligraphy, and a custom stamp (that's actually lined up with the corners of the envelope instead of being thrown on there by an octopus)? No, I don't think so....
There's something to be said for hand-written invitations and letters in this day of evites and email. It conjures up images of long-lost romantic notions of sitting down and actually writing (yes, writing, as in cursive and print). But then, the panic sets in: is the recipient Miss or Ms.? Are they still in the military or retired? So, here are a few tips that might help you impress:
Miss - for social items (invitations, personal correspondence, etc.), refers to a girl who is
unmarried, but not over the age of 30. For professional and business related items, Ms. should be used.
Ms. - for all the single ladies (put your hands up!!) over the age of 30, and women who are divorced. Ms. is also most appropriate if you're unsure of someone's marital status, and it's always appropriate in professional environments.
Mrs. - for married ladies or widows.
Master - for young boys under the age of 15.
Mr. - for gentleman aged 15 and older.
Doctor - using the abbreviation Dr. is NEVER correct when addressing an envelope. It should always be spelled out. Doctor should also only be used for persons with an M.D. (medical degree). PhD's are not referred to as Doctors, unless the person specifically requests to be listed as such.
Military - this one can be tricky. All military titles should be spelled out for ALL active duty (including National Guard) military personnel (i.e. Capital, Lieutenant Major, Corporal), followed by the branch of military service. For example, the following is a correct example:
Captain John Doe, USAF (or USA for Army, USCG for Coast Guard, USN for Navy, and USMC for Marine Corps)
If someone has retired from a career in the military, they maintain their rank and the above rule is followed. However, dishonorable discharge and those who spent a short time in the military should not receive retired status. For example, a retired Air Force captain would be addressed as follows:
Captain John Doe, USAF (retired)
So many possible titles in so many areas of life (i.e. clergy, judges, etc.), so little time…more to come! What question do you have about proper titles? Have a happy Saturday!
Ms. - for all the single ladies (put your hands up!!) over the age of 30, and women who are divorced. Ms. is also most appropriate if you're unsure of someone's marital status, and it's always appropriate in professional environments.
Mrs. - for married ladies or widows.
Master - for young boys under the age of 15.
Mr. - for gentleman aged 15 and older.
Doctor - using the abbreviation Dr. is NEVER correct when addressing an envelope. It should always be spelled out. Doctor should also only be used for persons with an M.D. (medical degree). PhD's are not referred to as Doctors, unless the person specifically requests to be listed as such.
Military - this one can be tricky. All military titles should be spelled out for ALL active duty (including National Guard) military personnel (i.e. Capital, Lieutenant Major, Corporal), followed by the branch of military service. For example, the following is a correct example:
Captain John Doe, USAF (or USA for Army, USCG for Coast Guard, USN for Navy, and USMC for Marine Corps)
If someone has retired from a career in the military, they maintain their rank and the above rule is followed. However, dishonorable discharge and those who spent a short time in the military should not receive retired status. For example, a retired Air Force captain would be addressed as follows:
Captain John Doe, USAF (retired)
So many possible titles in so many areas of life (i.e. clergy, judges, etc.), so little time…more to come! What question do you have about proper titles? Have a happy Saturday!
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