The War on Regards

Is it me or have people become competitive with their salutations? I have always closed my official correspondence with a simple "regards" but it appears that I may not be giving enough these days. Everyday at my externship I see letters and emails with "Warmest Regards" "Most Sincerely Yours" or "Kindest Regards" tacked on the end of them. This is a law firm, not new age healing center people. Even certain people in my life close their emails to me in this fashion. Here is a "Lance Rule" for you, if we are friends you don't even need a salutation. I realize that we are friends and that you and I have a mutual respect for each other, a simple "Joe" or "~J" will do. When I opened the email I saw your name so you do not even have to sign it if that is what you choose!

Really it seems a little silly to me. Why are your regards for me warm? We are working together as professionals, I do not need love or empathy from you. I would prefer to have your hard work and dedication to the task at hand not your love or empathy.

Is there something wrong with me that I can only give regards? Am I going to be the subject of a Dr. Phil show "Men who can't give enough of themselves"? Here let's try it out.

With the Most Sincerest, Kindest, and Warmest Regards,

Lance