I've dated the Star Trek TNG crew

I've dated the "Star Trek: Next Generation" crew

sort of ...

It all started with Rob. We always thought he looked like Captain Picard. He even had the voice - he was an announcer and emcee for Marine Corps ceremonies and concerts, and also a part-time radio DJ. Rob has excellent leadership qualities, a sharp mind, rapier wit and success with everything he attempts.

Then there's Derek. Definitely Worf. Honorable. Warrior. Impatient. Aggressive. Conflicted. But the point that really drove it home was when, in response to Deanna Troi's whining about how her mother Lwaxana fended off the advances of Ferengi DaiMon Tog, Worf said, in that deep Klingon voice of his, "Your mother is an admirable woman." Sounded just like Derek.

OK, technically I never "dated" Art, but he's been a best friend for more than 15 years. He will probably catalog at least 100 ways in which he is NOT like Data - referenced by episode numbers and original air dates ... I rest my case. Others might say he's a Vulcan, but I would argue that Data is more appropriate because there is an genuine, warm quality to Data's interest in humans. Logic is not an end in itself, but a process by which one attempts to catalog and use information, and understand others for who they are, not what they "should" be. Data also knows much more than the typical Vulcan, but doesn't come across as snooty, and he is "fully functional." How often did you ever see Vulcans getting laid?

But I ended up married to Riker. According to Riker's bio he "has been prone to short bouts of self-doubt regarding his perceived complacency toward ambition" but turns down commands of his own, content to be a "Number One" right hand man rather than The Man himself. Tall, jovial, he also has a strong libido and a "reputation for unorthodox solutions." That's my Steven.

And who am I? Being that there are, basically, only 3 main female characters on Star Trek TNG - Deanna, Beverly and Natasha - for a long time I considered myself most like Deanna Troi. Especially since I have a degree in psychology, a career in communications, and a love for chocolate & desserts. However, not long after I began dating my husband, he was quick to point out that I am actually more like Deanna's mother, Lwaxana Troi. I don't know if that's a good thing, but if Worf says she's an admirable woman, I'll take it. Though, Troi and Riker did eventually get married to each other in the movie "Star Trek: Nemesis."