As most of you know, I usually sign off on many of my personal Thank You cards, letters, e-mails, blogs, texts & tweets with MUAH!!! I’ve always thought of it as somewhat similar to using, ‘Affectionately’, or almost the same as the xoxoxo . . . but without the hug. That leaves the kiss; a kiss on the cheek . . . or perhaps not.
I’ve been questioned and criticized over my use of Muah and am told it’s inappropriate to sign off with it, especially when the person is married. I was even told that it’s not professional or business like and also inappropriate to use with strangers.
It’s true, I have used it with strangers but justify it this way: In my mind it’s about the same when someone walks up to a clerk or a waiter or waitress, or customer service rep and says, “Hello Sunshine, or Sweetie, or Honey, or Love. It’s an immediate ice breaker and usually gets a positive reaction. The same with Muah.
Not one to dismiss criticism, and somewhat confused by the ambiguity, I went to the Urban Dictionary and looked up the word: Muah – the sound made by giving a kiss. It goes on; as a friendly on-line Hello or Goodbye kiss. “I’ll talk to you later, Muah”.
A friendly Hello or Goodbye kiss, as a kiss on the cheek. Listen, Europeans – both men and women – have been kissing each other on the cheek for eons. Americans too but to a lesser extent.
I think most people can figure out if you’re flirting or coming on to them. Can’t we all just have a friendly Muah without the intimacy or judgement?
That being said, I want to clarify; if you are married, lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, a-sexual or transgender, and I sign off to you with a Muah!!!, please know I do not have any other intentions but to send you an xoxoxoxo all packaged together in the Muah!!! For the record, I’m not looking for anything in return except a little kindness, respect, dignity and a smile to make your day a little happier.
So here I go again, Muah!!! That’s for you. And a Muah!! for you too!
PW