Constant Content

I'm having trouble with knowing what to put. I've tried throughout the article to avoid a he she or they by restructuring the sentence, but in some cases it doesn't work.

what is correct or a better way to phrase something like this:

Listen to your friend. Repeat back what you think they said, so they know you understand them.

things like friend, spouse, partner, boss can be a he or she. Can they be a "they". Remind me how to work around this.

The following discussion may be of some use:

http://www.constant-content.com/forum/v ... ey+pronoun

I just have to throw in my two cents worth on gendered pronouns.

As a writer, you have to think of your audience. As a spec writer, that can be difficult because you're selling articles to unknown audiences. Just write to an ideal audience you have in your head and someone will fall in love with your voice and buy your article.

So, if your example comes from an article that should be addressed to women, talking about female friendship interactions, use "she". If it's addressed to men, use the masculine. You must determine for yourself who the ideal reader would be, and talk to her.