To the Editor,
The use of the word "dear" in the English language exemplifies the dubious nature of English writers and speakers. The French "bonjour" and the German "hei" are straightforward and direct salutations. The English "dear" pretends to an affection that usually does not exist.
How frequently I have seen an elderly person addressed as "dear" when actually the person using the word "dear" is frustrated and irritated by the old person's behaviour. The person using the word is not feeling affection, but feeling annoyance and irritation; as the irritation increases so does the proliferation of "dears" in the coercive dialogue.
When I worked in a home for seniors, the person who gave the best service addressed all the residents as Mr. and Mrs. followed by their last name. She set an example of respectful service that I will never forget.
Grace de Brentani,
Port Alberni
