Addressing a new acquaintance

Question

Please help me learn the proper way to address a mutual friend, in writing, for the first time. I understand that she is single (widowed) and has a son. She is of Spanish heritage and lives in New Mexico, although I do know whether she was born there or in Spain or othe foreign country. I do not want to address her informally, nor formally in an old-fashioned way. I just want to address her appropriately, until we meet in person. Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

P.S. I forgot that you said that you'd be writing in English.

Well, even writing in English, I think it would be nice and taken as friendly if Mark adressed her with:

Estimada María, Hola María.....

I think it would be rather unusual to use the surname in Latin countries ...

Answer 2

If you want to adress someone new you use the "Formal" version of Spanish.

Answer 3

vide infra

I don't understand Latin, so I had to look this one up...

To save others the effort, it means "see below".

Answer 4

vide infra

Answer 5

Arguments could be made for anything from "Estimada Señora" to "Hola; María" (or whatever her given names is). Americans are famous/notorious for their tendency to "instant familiarity", so, if she's living in New Mexico, she may already be used to informality. I'd suggest contacting the "mutual friend" and asking for advice.

P.S. I forgot that you said that you'd be writing in English.

Answer 6

Maybe this thread will be of some assistance to you. In English you would simply default to Mrs. until told otherwise.

http://www.spanishdict.com/answers/show/8481/

Answer 7

Sorry, my letter (email) is in English, I want to know whether to address her by her first name, first and last, Mrs., Sra., or other. I know it's probably a judgment call based on limited information.

Answer 8

Please help me learn the proper way to address a mutual friend, in writing, for the first time. I understand that she is single (widowed) and has a son. She is of Spanish heritage and lives in New Mexico, although I do know whether she was born there or in Spain or othe foreign country. I do not want to address her informally, nor formally in an old-fashioned way. I just want to address her appropriately, until we meet in person. Thanks for your help.

I am not entirely sure what you are meaning to say, but, this means that I hope to have the opportunity to meet you in person.

Espero tener la oportunidad de conocerle en persona.