I am composing a response to feedback I received after concerning a potential employment opportunity. The woman with whom I am corresponding is in her late 20s and I am unsure as to her marital status, although I believe her to be unmarried.
Generally, I would address her as Ms. However, a female friend of mine (mid 20s) said that Ms. can be offensive to an unmarried younger women by implying that they are old enough to be married but have been unsucessful in landing a husband. However, to address a married woman as "Miss" can actually be taken as a compliment by implying that she still appears to be in her prime and looks young enough such that Mrs./Ms. is not appropriate.
I do not pretend to understand this distinction other than the technical (Mrs=married, Miss=single, Ms.=unknown) and feel that Ms. would be appropriate. However, I don't want to offend her. Any thoughts?
For purposes of context, the woman is an educated professional who is 5-7 years my senior.
Thanks.
Generally, I would address her as Ms. However, a female friend of mine (mid 20s) said that Ms. can be offensive to an unmarried younger women by implying that they are old enough to be married but have been unsucessful in landing a husband. However, to address a married woman as "Miss" can actually be taken as a compliment by implying that she still appears to be in her prime and looks young enough such that Mrs./Ms. is not appropriate.
I do not pretend to understand this distinction other than the technical (Mrs=married, Miss=single, Ms.=unknown) and feel that Ms. would be appropriate. However, I don't want to offend her. Any thoughts?
For purposes of context, the woman is an educated professional who is 5-7 years my senior.
Thanks.