Did you ever want to criticize someone and thought that it may be a good idea to write him an email about it?
Did you ever receive an email criticizing you?
Our experience shows that people are much more likely to be offended when receiving an email containing a critical message than they would if the same message were to be delivered by phone or in person.
When you write such a message in an email, your words are not accompanied by the voice intonation and the body language that can help pass the message in a friendlier manner.
The written words are received at 'face value' and the receiver will most likely give them a harsh interpretation.
Good luck trying to restore your relationship after that.
This is why we recommend to all our clients to write only polite and friendly emails.
Use phone or face to face meetings for unpleasant messages - if you have to.
And remember that to change the direction of a running horse - you must first run in the same direction as the horse. Only after you managed to jump on its back, can you start changing its course.