The ABC’s of Dating A Black Man or Woman

By Shelly Farrior-Jackson and Reginald Dixon

Many factors impact Black couples, including financial inequality, racial repression, micro-angers, negative stereotypes, and historical myths. Sexism has also strained Black male and female relationships, causing couples to project negative feelings onto each other due to safer environments. Black love is built over time, requiring effort and adaptability to external forces. It can be affectionate, passionate, strong, difficult, painful, and cherished. Despite its beauty, Black love is rarely portrayed in the media or relationship publications. Couples often struggle to understand their relationship issues due to blind spots. Negative cycles, fueled by defensive tactics, can lead to a relationship's downfall.

This book, a combined effort from two authors, offers insights into successful relationships by discussing each letter of the alphabet's significance. The authors emphasize the importance of friendship, grace, and service in relationships. By sharing their personal and relatable truths, they hope to inspire readers to become better partners and build supportive, enduring relationships.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 13, 2024
• ISBN: 9781304623225

Book preview

About the Authors

Shelly Farrior-Jackson is a native of Chicago, Illinois but has lived in Southern California since she was fourteen years old. She currently holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Creative Writing and received a double Master of Arts in English; one in Composition and one in Literature. Her passion for literature is what led her to read countless books, then write and self-publish four of her own in the span of ten years.

Dr. Reginald L. Dixon was born in Niles, Michigan and grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. His educational background includes Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Park University and Business Management from Oakwood University.  He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and a Doctor of Management in Leadership from the University of Phoenix. Dr. Dixon’s area of expertise is women in leadership; more specifically within Fortune 1000 companies. Dr. Dixon has one self-published book and is in the process of writing three more books: one on male and female relationships and two on various leadership topics. 

Introduction & Disclaimer

This book is the culmination of a discussion between two people and their version of an age-old topic: how can a man and a woman develop a successful relationship? Both individuals, through various educational experiences, discussions, and other interactions, have had extensive personal and professional interactions to men and women and their thoughts on relationships. The process for completing this book included using each letter of the alphabet to represent a word or phrase for the topic of each chapter discussion. Each book was written separately, and the two versions were combined into what you are reading now. The goal of this book is to give the opposite sex an opportunity to see what the other side values in a relationship, with the hope of bridging the gap between the two sexes to create a healthier environment and greater chance for more successful relationships.

The ABC’s

of

Dating (and loving)

A Black Woman

By Shelly Farrior-Jackson

The ABC’s of Dating (and loving) A Black Woman

Also by Shelly Farrior-Jackson (Shelly R. Jackson):

Goin’ Through Changes (2001)

Healing Ruth: The Story of One Woman's Journey from Despair to Serenity (2002)

Won’t Wait to Dance (2009)

Thirty Little Secrets Volume One (2012)

Author’s Note

Men and women are completely different from one another. Most people have heard this at least a dozen times and our approaches to writing this book is proof. Not only did I write from the perspective of a woman who has known and experienced love and heartache, I also wrote from the perspective of someone who has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, creative writing. I believe in being concise and to the point. On the other hand, my co-author and cousin wrote from the perspective of a man who has also known and experienced love. He wrote from the perspective of a man who has earned a Doctor of Management degree in Leadership. Although he focused on the topic, he provided additional details and, at times, scenarios to solidify his point. Anyone who reads this book will see for themselves that the way women and men approach most things is rarely, if ever, the same and in order for us to get along in love and in life, we have to first learn to accept and respect each other’s differences.

Dedications

This book is dedicated to some very special men in my life; my sons Randall Allen, Ryan Alexander, and Rahmoun Amion. And to my nephews David Jerome, Jr., Joshua Hasan, and Robert Sean. I trust that each of you will take your time and learn from the mistakes of family members and friends when it comes to dating and falling in love. I pray that you will find some useful tips on the pages of this book