Phrase: Never begin 'Dear Friend' You should address your friends by their names

[Muin]

Hello Everybody,
L.G.Alexander ,in his book "Essay and Letter Writing " page 42 ,The Personal Letter
Instructions , number 2, The Salutation ,
says ," 'Never begin 'Dear Friِend ' You should address your friends by their names."
Could anybody explain why?
Thanks in advance

[Kitosdad]

Muin, I'm sure the author means their christian names. This shows friendliness rather than formality.
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[Muin]

Thank you Kitosdad,
But is it allowed to use "Dear Friend " in letter-writing?

[Kitosdad]

Of course it is allowed, but why do so when you know the persons name?

Starting your letter,"Dear Friend" sounds like one of those, "I want to give you a quarter of a million pounds, in exchange for using your bank details" letters.

Kitos.
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[Muin]

Lol,
yeah you are right . It sounds like sending a message in a bottle to anyone who can help.
Another question :
Is this version acceptable: "Dear Friend Sami,"?

[Kitosdad]

Yes, of course it is. All informal correspondence with friend in the greeting is perfectly acceptable, bur I fail to see your obsession in using it.

Far better to use it in your closing;

Your friend Bill.
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[Kitosdad]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Oh, thank you so much. Just what I need, $2,000 a day.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

Please send me full details today.

Kitos.
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[Muin]

Dear Colleague,
For my being a teacher of English I am asked to explain it. You know learners of English take things seriously . I mean they want to know every thing .
Anyway, thanks a lot , you "Englishman living in Gaza" !!

[Kitosdad]

"Englishman living in Gaza" ?????????????????????????????
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[Muin]

haha
Don't you like "living in Gaza "?

[Kitosdad]

I really do prefer Germany, that's why I live here.
_________________
Keep it simple ... Keep it interesting.