After a several years of correspondence, Margie was still surprised at how much she appreciated Spock's matter-of-fact way of thinking. Any time she had ever asked for advice about anything, Spock answered thoroughly and with an insight that should have been obvious, but eluded her. Take this situation, for example. She had been interested in a guy, John Thompson, from one of her engineering classes. She had raved to Spock about how wonderful he was, and how her parents weren't being supportive, and how steady John was….pages upon pages of description. Spock replied with this:
Dear Margie, you asked what I thought of the description of your friend John, whom you wish to "date." After having considered the matter thoroughly, I do not believe he would be a logical choice to begin a romantic relationship with. He is several years older than you, so his priorities are likely rather different from yours. He was not respectful to your parents, which implies that he may not always treat others with the respect that they deserve. This behavior might one day extend to you. Also, he seemed the type of man who, when the time came, would wish his wife to stay at home and raise children. While that is not necessarily a negative trait, it would prevent you from pursuing an engineering career, which I know is very important to you. However, your own judgment is likely superior to mine in this matter, as I do not know John personally. Have you considered joining Starfleet? I have heard that Starfleet is lacking qualified engineers, and could use anyone with the proper training. I know this is not the sort of career you have envisioned for yourself, but I think you would be given the fair chance that other organizations have refused you. Furthermore, you would meet many people with similar interests as yourself, which I believe would be a great encouragement to you. I am doing sufficiently in my studies, to answer your enquiry. However, I rather wish I could choose my own curriculum. Sometimes the subject matter feels useless and absurd. Your brother ever, Spock
Short and sweet, but with so much insight, presented to her in a non- threatening way. She had chosen to pursue the relationship anyway, and when it fell apart years later, she sent Spock a letter:
Have I properly thanked you, Spock, for the advice you gave me several years ago, to join Starfleet? I know that logic need not be thanked, but I appreciate that advice so much, I can't help it. Thank you. Yesterday, after having yet another door slammed in my face, (figuratively speaking) I was rather fed up. So I impetuously joined Starfleet. I should have joined right out of high school. Best decision ever. They were so kind to me! They were genuinely thrilled to have me. With all the qualifications I already have, they say it'll be about two years in the Academy before I can start tinkering away on one of their ships. My twenty-second birthday was last week, as you know. John asked me to marry him. I told him I wasn't ready for that commitment, and I asked him to wait. He's twenty-six. He says he's been waiting on me since he first met me in college, and he'll be darned if he's going to wait a day longer. He said he was tired of watching me look for a job he didn't think I needed, and that he didn't think I was going to get. He said it was him, or my career. You were so right Spock. I wrote you one letter about the guy, when you were twelve, and you immediately saw what it's taken me two years to see. You are so perceptive, and I will not take your advice lightly in the future. Anyways, we broke up. He was a great guy, and I enjoyed almost every minute I spent with him, but he was so darned pushy! Well, I guess he knew what he wanted, and I knew what I wanted, and we couldn't both get our way. I had hoped that we could remain friends, but he's too resentful. I understand how he feels though, and I wish him the best. Spock, never let anyone get in the way of what you want to do. It'll leave you unsatisfied in the long run. I look forward to hearing from you, and I may be able to visit you sometime, as some engineering students get to spend time studying on Vulcan. We'll see. Your loving sister, Margie
Even after several years of correspondence, Spock was still often surprised at how much more a situation made sense whenever Margie related to him a similar situation that she had gone through. For example, he wrote her a letter about his difficulties with his mother.
Dear Margie, after having contemplated the situation with your "family drama," I would agree with your conclusion that your father's brother-in-law is, indeed, an idiot. However, as his shameful behavior toward your aunt does not affect you, I would suggest not letting yourself become overly upset about the situation. You asked how I have been. I have not taken ill, if that concerns you. Although there was that episode when Mother offered me "Jell-O"… but I would not prefer to speak of it in detail. Suffice it to say that was my first experience with vomiting. You also enquired as to my mother's well-being. She is in good health. Emotionally, however, I believe she is having difficulties. She seems to be harboring resentment towards me. Yesterday, she asked me if I would play a game of chess with her. I told her that I was preoccupied with an important matter. She asked me if it would "keep." I replied that it wasn't urgent, but I would prefer to have it completed as soon as possible. She seems to think that because I chose to complete the assignment, I somehow place a higher value on it than on her. I assured her that this was not the case, and while she acknowledged what I said, she still acts disappointed. I do not understand. Nor do I expect I ever will. Have you ever been in a similar situation? I am glad to hear that your allergies are no longer severe enough to continue taking shots. I have no great love of medicines, either. I am still on protein supplements. Be sure to tell me about the state fair after you go. I have always had a curiosity about human festivities. Your brother, Spock
She replied with this:
Dear Spock, it was great to hear from you. Aunt Gail Sue is doing much better. The divorce is official now, and I am relieved. With luck, we'll never see hide nor hair of Uncle Ryan again. I made Aunt Gail some chocolate chip cookies. Chocolate is one of the best balms for all feminine woes. Remember that. It may come in handy someday. Your mother must have felt awful about forgetting herself and offering you gelatin. I know I would feel guilty. As to the situation with your mother, it's not as hopeless as you seem to think. I remember I once stood my mom up on a movie night she had planned, to go on a date with John. She thought I cared more about my relationship with John than about spending time with her. Never mind how often I sacrificed something in the past to spend time with her; she decided that this situation revealed my "true" feelings toward her. I knew assuring her otherwise would be ineffective, so I decided to do something extravagantly nice for my mom. I used my own money to treat her to a pedicure. After that, she seemed to understand that I did not mean to take her for granted. I'm so glad my allergy shots are done with! I've been on those things since I was nine. About your protein supplements, do you eat a lot of nuts? Nuts are high in protein. I love salted pistachios. They're the best things ever. I don't know if they have nuts on Vulcan, so I'm sending you some. I didn't end up going to the fair. I went to a friend's wedding in Arkansas. I was the maid of honor, so I had to give a speech about the bride, our childhoods, and our time as friends…. It was a lot of fun. I didn't catch the bouquet though. The bride, Gia, promised to throw it in my general direction, but there was a really tall woman in front of me who caught it. Before you ask me to explain the rituals involved in human weddings, do me a favor and just ask your mom. She's probably been to way more than me. Love, Margie