I have a cousin who is living exclamation point. She is so happy and joyous and genuinely excited about things, so when she puts an exclamation point after every sentence at least I know she’s being sincere.

Gina, it’s the world we live in. If we share our opinions, we do run the risk. I have a feeling one of my previous clients doesn’t call for that very reason. On Facebook, I’m not guarded at all. Lately, anyway. I’ve made it private and I don’t make friends with clients there, but if they come across it, so be it.

I hope for the same world! Unfortunately, there are people who would let that get in the way. I worked for a year with a woman whose beliefs were exactly opposite mine. It was a political book. She never knew my leanings because it didn’t matter. My job was to edit, help write, and make her points come across.

Hi PAULA! (I should have included the use of caps, huh?)

I had a family friend send me a thank you note a few years ago and every single sentence ended in an exclamation point. I didn’t mind as she was just being who she is. But if a writer did that, I’d be looking for a new one.

Emojis — I save those for when I’m four years into a relationship with a client or PR person and we’re just chatting. Never in an email that could be forwarded. And even then, rarely.

I’d also suggest not using emojis in business email. I’ve actually received emoticon-peppered email from a couple of different editors. Even if you’re replying from a phone, spell out the darn words if it’s a business email. Unless you’re under 18.