[ronaldx]

I dislike the premise of this article.

All the alternatives have worse disadvantages:

- repeating the name "Matt" is awkward

- gender is an awkward requirement for sending a giftcard

- assuming someone is male unless they are known to be female is awkward

- "he/she" is awkward

And, crucially:

- singular they is widely used and understood and has significant historical precedent https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singular_they

[rtb]

+1. This article is rubbish. Singular "they" is fine.

[Gormo]

Of course, there's always the option of side-stepping the entire issue:

> Matt Hofstadt wanted to make your day, and has sent you a $20 gift card...