What do Ethiopian women want? I do not know what they want but I would like to know. So I will be asking different Ethiopian woman in my age range, (since I am the one in that is curious) twenties that is. This is so that men who are confused like me can get it from the horse’s mouth. Maybe we men can learn together. And the women can vent about their frustrations. Therefore, the "Anonymous Speak Series" begins and I will be asking different woman the same seven questions. Five of the seven will be mandatory.

Specimen 1: Late Twenties,  not Single.

1.      What misconception do you think Ethiopian males have about woman?

Most Ethiopian males expect women to go out with them no matter what. If a woman sees something special or attractive from a man, she would show it. There is no reason to be pushing. Men think women are after money, profession, certain kind of men or physical appearance. Most women (like men) can be attracted as well as disgusted right away by one attribute of a man and all the other good or bad qualities would shadow that one attribute and makes it hard for the women to like the guy at first.

2.      What qualities do you find attractive in a man; other than physical?

Several qualities can attract a woman such as respect, honesty and being oneself instead of pretending to be someone else. In most instances, physical attraction is the last thing that would attract me to a man in the end.

3.      What is the difference between Guregna and Kurategna man?

A Guregna man is one who is a show-off, who will say he is a millionaire when he is barely surviving; who will say that he is buddies with someone you look up to when he doesn’t know what this person looks like….

Kurategna man looks at you like a Zinb. If he is among a mixed group, he is the one who keeps quiet although he is your chatty friend at other times. He is or thinks he is physically attractive and flaunts it and wouldn’t give you a split second attention even if you are more attractive than he is; the kurategna almost wants a woman to ask him.

4.      How do you like to be asked out?

Unless you can tell right away that I am interested in you, make me your friend … just talk to me about social or current issues and you will discover what we have in common. You may not like me if you find out that we have nothing in common.  Never start with ‘let’s go out’ if it is not obvious that I am attracted. The communication can start with ‘where do you work’ and ‘nice weather today’ but no smarty moves ‘I was thinking if you give me your phone number, I will invite to my house for dinner’ aynet . It may be better to ask for the next meeting to be at a public place like a book reading or gallery, event or concert. If it doesn’t work with me, may be I have a friend that you may end up introduced to when we are friends. Or may be over time I will get to see your other qualities that I couldn't see right away and fall for you. If we are talking short term relationship, you can just ask and keep asking until you get a yes. I think long term takes work.

5.      What factors do you consider when you decide to start dating someone?

Do we have the same outlook, do we have similar backgrounds, and do we have a common goal in life? I am a firm believer that good qualities hide whatever differences you have with a possible date. May be you are against Meles and I love his leadership qualities, but if you think highly of me you may not care what I think about Meles. You may be from Chad and everything about our background except COB may be the same … and we can fall for each other. I don’t think that are certain factors that you can look at actually.

6.      What emotions do you think support the creation of a stable relationship?

Being there for each other is very important for a stable relationship. One person can not always be on the recieving end. It has to be balanced for the relationship to be sustained.

7.      What characteristics in man (if any) make you not trust him?

If he develops strange habits like staying out late or if you do not live with him, he is busy and not available at most hours and times, and he is giving you all kinds of excuses why he is not around. May be he has to call you all the time and when you call, he is never there.