DESIGN: If the relationship is just beginning, the book can be used to teach the reader the criteria and skills necessary to select a mate and make marriage work.

 OPERATION: If a marriage is well established and vigorous, the manual can clarify why it is strong.

 REPAIR: If the marriage is struggling, it can be used to diagnose where the relationship falls short and what needs to be done to improve the situation.

 BREAKDOWN: If the marriage is beyond repair, the book can assist the reader to choose between the traditional divorce process and the creative option of divorce mediation.

 REBUILDING: If divorce has already occurred, the manual can help the reader understand why the marriage ended and how to design a new and successful relationship in the future.