"Dear" to an unknown man

Hi;

Answer in a manner that you are comfortable with.

If you answer "Dear Mr. X", you would be indicating a more formal, less familiar, style of correspondence.

Dear Rebecka

Alphecca is right - you should answer in a comfortable way

I sometimes use "Dear" but that is because I was taught to write quite a few years ago. With some people "Dear" may be formal but often it is just what a person is comfortable with

I am equally happy if people say "Dear" or "Hi" - or whatever..

Regards, Dave

Dave, please note she was asking about the use of his first name, not whether to use "Dear."

It can be a big leap from "Mr. Smith" to "Christopher."

Although he called your Rebecka, how did he sign his name?

Christopher?

Chris?

Christopher Smith?

Mr. Christopher Smith?

Mr. Smith?

If it was any of the first three, you could fee

Dear GG

I accept your point

However, the thread title is..

- "Dear" to an unknown man

..and that is the question I answered..

But I agree that the further question of first names, last names and titles is important

Best regards, Dave

Good heavens! I never even SAW that part -- just the names. I owe the anonymous Dave an apology.

The only way to start a note, if you use a salutation, is with "Dear." Although e-mail often don't have a salutation at all.