They/themming someone exclusively who uses different pronouns is shitty and misgendering, but is it alright to use they/them for literally anyone in addition to the pronouns they use, leaning towards using their specific pronouns?
I'm in two camps. On one hand, I've always used language like this for cis people and I see this reflected in how other people speak and in the media. On the other hand, I know it sucks when someone only uses they/them for you.
So, what are your thoughts hexbear?
Edit: reminder that preferred pronouns when you just mean someone's pronouns is antiquated language
It's always best to ask for and use someone's preferred pronouns. Reflecting a habit of they/them towards everyone isn't the worst thing, but it can be indistinguishable from someone that is having difficulties understanding that trans people are real, so it's good to shed that habit once you know someone's pronouns.