Yahoo Lifestyle 
NASA scientist's epic response to man's sexist dating app comment
One woman has found out the hard way that gender prejudices are still rife.
Dr Lauren McKeown, who previously worked at NASA, was asked by a potential suitor called Mikey on Hinge if she had been “the receptionist” at the California-based organisation.
The woman from Dublin shared a screenshot of their exchange after the pair matched, and captioned it “and this, ladies and gentlemen, is why I am single”, in a post on Twitter that has now gone viral.
And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why I am single 🤦🏼♀️ pic.twitter.com/E3XHNLZXan
— Dr Lauren Mc Keown (@mclaurenseries) August 14, 2019
Responding to the part of Lauren’s profile where she reveals “The dorkiest thing about me is...I worked at NASA”, the man wrote, “f**k me that’s cool. Wait till I tell my parents.”
He then continued: “So what are you, like the receptionist?
“Jk you look reasonably smart.”
In a reply that has been praised by social media users, Lauren wrote back: “Smart enough to know at least that judging a woman's intelligence based on her appearance might not be the best way to initiate conversation.
“PS. my mother is a primary school receptionist and is the wisest, most inspirational, and kindest person I know.”
She added: “So much so in fact that my PHD thesis in planetary science is dedicated to her.”
Woah. What I thought would give a few people a laugh has really made its way around the world. Thanks to everyone who engaged in this important topic. Please don’t call anyone names on my behalf though!! And to the sweet people who sent me lovely messages I’m working on replying! pic.twitter.com/gDihTleiol
— Dr Lauren Mc Keown (@mclaurenseries) August 15, 2019
[2] and to the lads taking my tweet as an invite for marriage proposals in my inbox, you (maaaaay) have missed the point 😂 society, pour me a cuppa tea, we need to have a chat 😂
— Dr Lauren Mc Keown (@mclaurenseries) August 15, 2019
Her post has been ‘liked’ more than 178,000 times, and received more than 17,000 shares and over 2,000 comments.
Many people were shocked that Mikey thought he had made a good attempt at “flirting”.
One person wrote: “God, how depressing. It’s 2019 and there are still men who feel threatened by intelligent women!”
Another commented: “I should think this is why HE'S single, actually!”
A third shared: “When I started working at a new NASA facility, someone assumed I needed directions and I was pointed in the direction of the gift shop...”
And a fourth added: “I am really sorry for all men kind. Every day I get embarrassed by these daft muppets.”
Words by Lauren Clark
Got a story tip or just want to get in touch? Email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com
Want more lifestyle and celebrity news? Follow Yahoo Lifestyle onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Or sign up to our daily newsletter here.
