Best

I ran into a situation that emphasized the limitations of written communication and the importance of perspective…

For years, I have often signed off emails with:

Best,

Owen

It’s a lazy shortening of the entire common phrase, “Best wishes.”  Finally, one of the guys who works for me piped up and commented on my signature.  Apparently, it had been a running joke that by “best,” I was touting my opinion of myself.  In other words, they were reading it like:

I’m the best,

Owen

That interpretation of my signature didn’t jive with my general character, as perceived by the team, so that’s why it came up. 

In any case, we all had a good laugh, and I have since steered away from using “best” in my signature line.  Of course, old habits die hard.

Best,

Owen