Triple X

How much thought do people actually put into the complimentary close when corresponding? Some people write, "Sincerely", others, "TTYL" but when it comes to a budding relationship a veritable minefield opens up. Rarely should you say "Love," early on. Perhaps, "Yours Truly" would be ok. Somehow "xox" seems safe but affectionate while one is getting closer but not ready to commit.

If you have been following the blog, you would know but not necessarily care that I have been seeing a lovely lady I met on Frumster and things are progressing. There is a lot of emotional language being exchanged in our eye contact and subtle body language.

Then it happened. She sent me a general e-mail but concluded with "xxxo, Tali." Now, what do I do with that? It's not the simple xox I have always imagined. This is far more serious. For crying out loud, it's a TRIPLE X O! My response:

"This was the first time I ever got a triple-x-o from anyone. A part of me felt really moved to think about it. I always wondered exactly the proper balance of x's and o's when signing off. How much of it is mood oriented, message based, relationship defined, or 'say it or you'll pay the price'? And what if you o before you x? Should both parties strive to achieve an o together and for God's sake, should the x really be involved? That's just too much! Is there a personal rhythm that needs to develop like a staccato of x's progressing to a crescendo of o's? Or perhaps the strokes of your fingers should decide the outCome? However this obsessive rant ends, it most certainly will be Xcellent!
xox,
Smoo"