Parting words

SIR – I would like to know what forms of address people favour when sending emails to anyone other than close friends and family.

I dislike the use of “Hi”, and “Dear so and so” is probably too formal – as is “Sincerely”. Are “Best wishes” or “Kind regards” more suitable?

As is no doubt evident, I am of the generation that was taught how to set out handwritten letters, both formal and informal. I have a primary school letter sent to my parents signed by me as “Your affectionate daughter”.

There must be a happy medium between ancient and modern.

Regards (?) Wendy Mellish Sherborne, Dorset