<p>&lsquo;69 Ways&rsquo; was written solely with the intentions of it being a fun alternative guide to making couples more aware of the most common detriments encountered in preventing a healthy and emotionally gratifying relationship.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The sixty-nine topics presented and discussed were chosen after an exhaustive and extensive three-week debate between my wife and me.&nbsp; Our first task was an individual assignment.&nbsp; We separately wrote our own ideas of what not to do in a relationship.&nbsp; After that, my wife and I asked friends, relatives, and co-workers to share their thoughts and opinions of the headaches and heartaches they have endured in their courtships and dating disasters.&nbsp; What was not surprising was the large number of bumps in the road that we all share in our journeys to finding eternal bliss.&nbsp; In listening to the stories, I found it to be truly miraculous in hearing the length of time that people stay together.&nbsp; I give all the props and respect in the world to couples that are really trying to have a committed relationship.&nbsp; The process is definitely not easy!&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>But please understand that my wife and I are not</strong> <strong>experts or professionals! </strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;I repeat, &ldquo;<strong>We are not experts or professionals!&rdquo; </strong>&nbsp;My Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Kennesaw State University was concentrated in the area of marketing and sales management.&nbsp; And my wife studied music education and piano and voice at Bowie State University.&nbsp; So please, on that note, do not interpret or accept what is printed as a supplement for professional guidance.&nbsp; If you feel that you need therapy, please don&rsquo;t be ashamed to get it (#55).&nbsp; And one last admission before you start reading the good stuff is that people wanted to know how I decided the order of the topics presented.&nbsp; It was a rather simple but faith based process.&nbsp; Each topic was written on a strip of paper and then shuffled in an Atlanta Braves baseball cap.&nbsp; My wife and I drew one-at-a-time until the hat was empty.&nbsp; I drew first and my wife followed.&nbsp; Here is the catch!&nbsp; Before each draw we recited a verse from Psalms twenty-three.&nbsp; My wife read verse three and I read verse six.&nbsp; You may think that this sounds a little crazy or strange but it is amazing how what we pulled was applicable to us.&nbsp; I&rsquo;m not trying to make anyone a Believer; this is just an explanation of how the sequential order of the topics was established.&nbsp; In retrospect, my wife and I felt that the entire process was a very powerful and enlightening experience.&nbsp; We sincerely hope that &rsquo;69 Ways&rsquo; becomes a fingerprint in your life.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>