I find myself (somewhat astonished) using statements like "Thank you, my dear, for what you've done / you're doing on my behalf.
Time was when the term implied a definite and reliable closeness. Today, I'm afraid it connotes a great deal less.
That said, you all shoud know that my "loose language" was happily received and acknowledged during my six-night stay at the Bartlett Regional Medical Center in Juneau, Alaska, earlier this month!
SWR
