Ethiopia

Guide for dating in Ethiopia helps you to meet the best girls. This dating guide gives you tips how to date Ethiopian women. You will learn rules where and how to flirt with local Ethiopian girls. We advise how to move from casual dating to the relationship and find the real love. We also tell the best dating sites in Ethiopia. In this article below you will find more information where to meet and date girls in Ethiopia, Africa.

Hot girls of Ethiopia at the Flirt lounge

Girls in Ethiopia:

Looks of girls: 4 / 5

Attitude of girls: 4 / 5

Loyalty of girls: 3.5 / 5

Education level of girls: 3 / 5

Dating in Ethiopia:

Chance of arranging dates: 3 / 5

Casual dating culture: 3.5 / 5

Online dating popularity: X.X / 5

Sex in Ethiopia:

Women's sexual activity: 3.5 / 5

One-night stands: 2.5 / 5

More about Ethiopia:

Nightlife in general: 3 / 5

Locals' English level: 3.5 / 5

Budget per day: US$50 - $500

Accommodation: US$10 - $200

Dating

Whenever the history of humanity is mentioned, one country whose name never misses Ethiopia. The country is believed to be one of mankind’s earliest settlements after remains of ancient man have been found in different sites in the country. The country is also one of two that were never colonized by Europeans during the scramble and partition of Africa. Ethiopia is situated in East Africa in a region known as the horn of Africa. The country has a population of about 100 million people, making it the second-most populous nation in Africa behind Nigeria. The capital city of Ethiopia is Addis Ababa with a population of about seven million people. Addis Ababa is the seat of government as well as the headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. The country is bordered by Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Southern Sudan.

Ethiopian girls are beautiful and dating one is quite enjoyable As you look to date an Ethiopian girl, it will be helpful if you understand the dating culture of the women here to ensure that you do things the right way. Ethiopian girls take their reputation very seriously. She will not take you to meet her parents unless she feels sure that you are the one for her or at least that your relationship will last for a considerably long time.

Dating Culture

Ethiopia is generally a heterogeneous country with different cultures defining people from different regions. However, as a country, Ethiopia is largely a rural country with almost 70% of the population living in rural areas. As for the urban areas, Addis Ababa alone accounts for more than 50% of people living in towns and cities. The girls are open to dating any type of person and their choice is usually personal. Very many single girls walk the streets of Addis Ababa waiting for the one person who will approach them and get them interested. Once you do this right, you will be ready to have a wonderful adventure.

Sugar Dating

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Online Dating

Dating in Ethiopia can be a bit tricky due to not knowing if you have a solid connection, so your best bet is to sign up for a dating site before you venture to the night club or bar, so you can meet a few locals ahead of time. AdultFriendFinder.com lets you meet local members in Ethiopia and get to know them on a personal basis before you meet in person. Take advantage of site features like live chat and member to member webcams so you can begin flirting before arranging a face-to-face meeting.

Webcam Dating

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Women

There are 86 recognized indigenous ethnic groups in Ethiopia. The main groups in the country are the Amhara, the Oromo, the Somali and the Tigray. Although Amharic is the main language spoken in Ethiopia, only about 30% of the population speaks it. In the recent past, many regions have been dropping the official use of Amharic for their local dialects. Oromo is spoken by about 34% of the population. English is taught as a mandatory foreign language in elementary school and is the language of instruction in universities.

Ethiopian women enjoy a better position in life than most women in Africa if not worldwide. In 2018, Ethiopia joined a small group of African countries that have had a female president. Half of the cabinet is female while more than 25% of the members of parliament are also women. In the labor market, women enjoy a 78% employment rate.

However, even with this impressive transformation, there still exists a big gap between the status of men and women in rural areas. In Ethiopia, approximately 27 million people live in poverty. Given the lack of access and control over resources and many discriminatory traditional customs, women comprise a majority of those living in absolute poverty. Gender differentials persist at all levels, as reflected by social indicators. Seventy- five percent of women are illiterate. Even though primary education is being promoted, early marriage of girls reduces their chance of having access to higher education as 75% of Ethiopian girls marry before the age of 17and approximately 13% between the ages of 17 and 21 years. The rate of girl student dropouts is much higher than boys and girls are often responsible for many chores which may interfere with their schooling.

The Ethiopian Government's commitment and dedication to promoting women's equal participation in the economic, political and social developments of the country have been manifested in various forms. Several measures taken by the government have created an enabling environment to empower women to become active participants of the development process and benefit from it. In 1992 the creation of a Women's Affairs Office within the Prime Minister's Office mandated to coordinate and facilitate conditions to promote gender equality in areas of development. The declaration of the first National Policy on Women in 1993 provided a framework within which the Government's commitment to empowering women can be channeled. The Women's Affairs Office of the Prime Minister's Office is charged with responsibilities to oversee and coordinate activities leading to the effective implementation of the Policy.

Ethiopian Girls (age 18 - 29)

Ethiopia has one of the highest occurrences of early marriages. 40% of girls in Ethiopia are married before the age of 18 and 14% are married before their 15th birthday.

This age marks the time when girls leave childhood and become women. For many of them, this is the time when their breasts develop into a round succulent form. Their bums also grow bigger and firm as do their hips. These features force the woman to change their walking style as the sensual areas seek attention. To make the buttocks prominent, the young women put on tight trousers and skirts while low cut and tight tops ensure that men do not fail to notice them.

On their choice of clothes, most women at this age do not have much choice on what they wear as the choice is dictated mainly by the price especially for those still learning or unemployed. Since one has to choose in order of priority, their spending on clothes is relegated as secondary items as compared to food, accommodation or tuition fee for those depending on themselves. This does not mean that these younger women do not dress well. What they do not have in terms of finances, they make up for by their mode of dressing. The liberal fashion makes them stand out especially when they step out to have a good time in the clubs. This is complemented by the fashion accessories and makeup that they put on. Under their socialization, this group is most informed in terms of the latest trends so they can put together a good look even on a budget.

For those girls who are starting in employment, their financial capability is slightly enhanced and so is their spending. This is partly because they can afford better clothes but also partly because of the nature of the work they do. They will be required to dress presentably as some of them work in the front office, interacting with clients hence the need to be smart.

Ethiopian Women (age 30 - 45)

With the secondary sexual features having undergone full development earlier in life, these women are at their prime in terms of growth. The breasts are developed just fine and so are the bum and the hips. Unlike their younger counterparts who dress liberally to attract attention, these women dress less conspicuously. Part of the reasons for this is the fact that some of them are already married and so need to dress appropriately as their status dictates. On the other hand, the ones not yet married are restricted by the need to appear mature in their dressing. This, however, is not an absolute rule as many women here dress as liberally as when they were higher. These women are also able to afford better fashion and beauty products and so look pretty.

The women in this age-group are settled in their careers and some of them occupy senior positions in their organizations. This means that they can afford more well-heeled lives and some of them even own various assets such as cars and houses. In addition to career, this stage marks the beginning of family life for most as they have young children with some getting into teenage life. This means that young women are faced with the task of establishing a balance in life between their growing careers, their young families and their social life.

While in the past most girls did not venture out to live alone, the modern woman treasures her privacy and independence and so, as soon as she can afford it, she will move out of their family home to stay alone. This ensures that no watches over her life and question her when they move in and out of their house or when they host someone. However, traditional women in rural areas stay with their families until they get married.

Ethiopian Ladies (age 45+)

Most women at this age are married. This is mainly due to the traditional order of priorities that Addis Ababa girls are inculcated with. One is usually supposed to study, get a job, get married and settled down. Any girl who falls off this trajectory is usually considered abnormal and will be on the receiving end of many questions from family and friends on why she is single. Many suggestions will even be put to her to consider.

However, many women are above 45 years of age and still single. These women, including the married ones, are good for a one-night stand. This is because, at this stage, most of them are not looking for partners in long-lasting relationships. They are simply looking for a good time with no strings attached.

Foreign Girls (tourists, expats, students, etc.)

Every year, Ethiopia receives about one million tourists. This figure places the country as one of the most visited in Africa. One of the reasons for this has been the recent growth in the national carrier, Ethiopian Airlines. These tourists are attracted to the country by the attractive features and diverse cultures in the country. Ethiopia hosts the headquarters of the African Union as well as the African office of the United Nations. As a result of this, many countries on the continent have their citizens working as expatriates in these international agencies. The country has many universities that attract citizens of neighboring countries such as Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia.

All the above factors have contributed to a large number of foreign women in the country. These women easily integrate into the country’s system as Ethiopians are welcoming and welcoming to visitors.

Sex

Having sex with Ethiopian girls is both hard and easy depending on the type of girl one is looking for. Ethiopian girls are traditionally known to be traditional and many of them strive to preserve their virginity until they get married and so may be unwilling to have sex with someone, not their husband. However, many young Ethiopians are now opening up and are willing to offer sex to foreigners even if it is for the sake of adventure.

Sex Culture

As mentioned above, the country has a mixed-sex culture. 70% of the population lives in rural areas. Ethiopians living in rural areas are traditional and so they are conservative in matters of sex. On the other hand, those in the urban areas, especially the young Ethiopians are easier especially with the rise dating sites and mobile applications that are used to hook up.

One-Night Stands

While in the past many Ethiopians shunned casual dating and one-night stands, the influence of modernization has seen more people engaging in one-night stands. However, the ones doing this try as much as possible to be discreet.

Best Places to Meet Single Girls

As mentioned earlier, Ethiopia is considered to be one of the earliest human settlements. Paleontologists and archeologists have continued to conduct excavations and studies on the remains of early humans found in the country to learn about their way of life. The country is full of natural phenomena that are bound to interest any outgoing person. As the source of the main tributary of the Nile River, Ethiopia also attracts many explorers who have for a long time been studying this great river.

Bars, Pubs and Nightclubs

While at least 70% of Ethiopians live in rural areas, the capital city, Addis Ababa accounts for more than half of the urban population of Ethiopia. Much of the nightlife and entertainment in the city is to be found in the city.

Topia Tej Bet – Although it is considered to be the top choice bar in Addis Ababa, it is situated in an alley behind Axum Hotel off Haile Gebressalasie Road. The name means top honey wine in Amharic. The club is one of the most popular nightspots in the city. Some of the delicacies on offer are raw goat meat and beef.

Fendika Azmari Bet – The club specializes in Ethiopian jazz music that is played both by a DJ but also by visiting live bands. You can be assured of having a good time even though you may never understand any part.

Memo Club – This joint is situated on Bole Road/Africa Avenue in Addis Ababa. The club’s interior features cozy seats, a huge dance floor complete with red lights. The club is infamous as it teems with expatriates who frequent the club looking for prostitutes. The club offers a mix of African and Western tunes.

Club H2O – The pulsating nightclub is located on the ground floor of the Yoly Hotel along Mickey Leland Street. The club is famous because of its daily happy hour that runs from 7 pm to10 pm in which slow jazz music is played by live bands. This gives way to faster African and Western music mixes. Every Friday is an African night.

Black Rose Lounge – Located along Africa Avenue, Black Rose is known for its cool feel and the refined clientele that visit the place. Its music choice ranges from Ethiopian to Indian to Western.

Beer Garden – This is situated only 2 km from the international airport. The club has a German feel combining German friendliness and Ethiopian warmth. Predictably, the menu features German food and drinks. The club is ideal for the whole family outing as it has a children's play park at the front.

Club Platinum and Lounge – If you are young or you just want to hang out with the young; this is the place for you. Platinum is popular with the younger generation due to its mix of hip-hop, African, reggae and other new age music. It is also preferred by this age group due to its relatively cheaper prices.

Club Illusion – This club is located on the basement floor of Ambassador Cinema along Ras Desta Damtew Street. However, its location and easy access make it one of the most raucous clubs in the city. If you must visit this club, you may need to be accompanied by a local as it is full of pickpockets and muggers.

Stockholm Elegance Lounge – This place also has a refined clientele who prefer its laidback atmosphere to the more noise clubs. The joint is found on Cameroon Street and serves a fusion of R&B, hip-hop, reggae, African and even Indian music.

Club Flirt – It is located across the road from Beer Garden. It is located in a relatively plush neighborhood which makes it popular with the upper and middle class. It plays all genres of music.

Party at the H20 club in Ethiopia

Shopping Malls

Malls offer consumers the convenience of doing all their shopping in one place. With recreational facilities and retail areas, malls attract many young Ethiopian girls who want to look trendy and hook up with friends.

Some of the malls in Ethiopia include:

DH-Geda Tower, Addis Ababa

Edna Mall, Addis Ababa

Shoa Shopping Center, Addis Ababa

Lafto Mall, Mekele

Morning Star Mall

Dembel City Centre, Addis Ababa

Friendship City Center

Mafi City Mall

Zfmesh Grand Mall, Addis Ababa

Outside the Dembel City Centre

Outdoors

The sunny climate of Ethiopia is a definite advantage for those in search of adventure. The Dallol Depression & Erta Ale areas are among top Ethiopia's adventurous sites where one can do trekking to active or dormant volcanoes and also see the most active volcano in Ethiopia. Erta Ale is centered over the east African rift valley system which is a triple-junction setting that results in the formation of a pull-apart basin.

The Bale Mountains National Park lies some 400 km south of Addis Ababa, home to the most diverse flora and fauna of Africa and fascinating indigenous cultures. This national park has been protected with national parks and natural reserves, inviting the guest to explore the unique world of natural places. On most of the tours to this national park, you will use camping or a lodge as a central hub to explore the surrounding national park. Bale Mountains National Park has everything you would expect from a national park as well; in terms of wildlife.

Ethiopia is internationally renowned for its mountainous terrain. Also known as the roof of Africa, the area of the Simien Mountains is one of Ethiopia's most fascinating and diverse regions. With its 60 km escarpment along the Simien Mountains Plateau and elevation range from 1,900 meters to 4,543 meters above sea level, this place is one of the most popular and magnificent adventurous places Ethiopia has. The 4,543 meter Ras Dejen, in particular, is the tallest mountain in Ethiopia and the fourth tallest in Africa. In his trekking, one can see spectacular mountain scenery including the 4,543 meter Ras Dejen Mountain, the Walia Ibex which is an endemic animal to the park, endemic birds, the Ethiopian Wolf, and the Chelada Monkey. Simien Mountains National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in Ethiopia has a rich wildlife population and a diverse birdlife.

On this day trip away from the hectic life of Addis Ababa, you will get to experience the impressive Debre Libanos Monastery, beautiful mountain and countryside scenery, the famed ‘Portuguese Bridge’ built in the 1890s, the Nile Gorge with its abundant endemic birdlife and gelada baboons and much more. Please note spotting the Gelada Baboons can be a matter of luck, as they tend to be quite mobile from day to day.

Those willing to journey into Ethiopia's most remote corners will find some of the most extraordinary experiences on offer in the country. Gambella National Park is one of the hardest to reach but rewarding destinations anywhere in Africa. Accessible only via private helicopter or fixed-wing airplane, it's one of the most adrenaline-filled expeditions available in the country.

Mercato is the biggest outdoor market not only in Addis Ababa or Ethiopia but in the whole of Africa. The must-see parts of Merkato include the Spice Market, the handmade baskets market, and the second-hand items market. It is closed on Sundays. Mercato is especially interesting for the fact that it is a museum of locals. You can meet different people who come from the more than 90 tribes of Ethiopia and communicate in the Amharic language. The order of trading here is bargaining.

National Museum of Ethiopia is one of the must-visit sites in Addis Ababa especially to see the fossil remains of Lucy - the oldest hominid. Besides, visitors also see some of the oldest stone tools human beings ever used and learn the basics of Ethiopian history. The museum has four sections – the basement is the best. This is a place where everyone visiting Addis Ababa has come to see the fossil remains of Lucy - the oldest hominid (3.25 mil years old). Visitors also see some of the oldest stone tools human beings ever used, and learn the basics of the Ethiopian history.

Mount Entoto is the best spot to enjoy the great scenery of Addis Ababa. Mount Entoto is also where two of the oldest Ethiopian Orthodox Christians Churches are found at - St. Raguel (Elias) and St. Mary of Entoto. Hiking in the eucalyptus tree forest is a great experience. Entoto, with its 3,200 meters elevation above sea level, makes Addis Ababa the highest capital city in Africa. At Mount Entoto visitors can visit the historical churches of St. Mary (with its rich museum), the palace of Emperor Menelik II, and St. Raguel church which is famous for its about 140 years hand-painted wall and ceiling religious painting.

Lagar (or Legehar) Railway station is Ethiopia's first railway connecting Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa with the then French Colony of Djibouti. Built by France (1917), it is unique in its architecture and is Ethiopia's first of its kind. For visitors of Addis Ababa who want to see the Addis Ababa's historical buildings and monuments, Lagar Railway Station should be in the top list to see in Addis Ababa unique for its architecture and its history.

The Omo Valley is one of the most culturally diverse and fascinating destinations on the planet. This premium itinerary takes you deep into the Omo Valley, exploring the length and breadth of the region with overnights at camps offering exclusive access into some of the world's most untouched regions.

The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest, lowest, and driest places on the planet. In the northernmost pocket of Ethiopia, it is home to salt lakes, lava lakes, volcanoes and neon acid springs. The remoteness of the Danakil combined with its extreme climate and striking visuals makes it among the most remarkable destinations on the planet.

Universities and Colleges

Some of the universities and colleges found in Ethiopia include:

Addis Ababa University

Public Service College of Oromia, Batu

Woldia University, Weldiya

Lucy Water Technical College

Infolink College, Awassa

HZ College, Addis Ababa

Ethiopian Catholic University, Addis Ababa

Alkan University College, Bahir Dar

Closys College, Mekelle

Arsi University, Asella

Ethiopian Civil Service University, Addis Ababa

City University College, Addis Ababa

Gondar University, Gondar

Relationship

Casual dating is not common in Ethiopia. People generally meet a partner with the expectation of marriage in mind. Marriage remains one of the most important events in one’s lifetime, representing the merging of two families when the woman moves into her husband’s home. It also signifies a couple’s maturity and full transition to social adulthood.

Ethiopian men and women generally have a say on who their prospective partner will be. However, the parents of the bride and groom must approve of each other's' families before marriage. In some cases, the marriage may be arranged by two families that want to get closer. Interfaith marriages between members of different religions are generally rare. However, interethnic marriages are relatively common.

Holiday Romance

A holiday romance is a temporary or casual relationship between two strangers developed realistically in such a short space of time. That said, holidays aren’t a time to play it cool. You might only have a week or less in which to catch their eye, so acting fast is crucial. Try to be braver with making the first contact than you would be at home. This is because chances are high that the two of you are strangers to each other and there is nothing much to lose if your approaches are rebuffed. Holiday romances are also good as many people tend to let loose during this time and so your chances of being turned down are greatly reduced. Coming to a country like Ethiopia and hooking up with someone is good. This is because the country is less conservative meaning that the two of you will be able to enjoy your romance with fewer inhibitions.

Tips for Successful Relationship

Love is undoubtedly the most important aspect of any relationship, but it is not enough by itself. To become trusted and loving partners for life, both of you have to put in considerable time and effort.

When you refer to you and your partner as “we”, you are subconsciously considering both of you to be a single entity. This simple word enhances bonding and trust in a big way – even if your partner is not physically around. Studies conducted show that couples who used the word “we” tend to be calmer, happier and more satisfied with their relationship when compared to those who use “you” or “I.”

When you start feeling grateful for the things that your partner says and does, your relationship is sure to blossom. Research shows that gratitude reduces feelings of hate and pain as you tend to focus only on the positive side of your partner. Such positive feelings go a long way in maintaining relationships.

Problems start creeping into relationships when one or both get bored with the routine. To invigorate your relationship, explore new places, try new activities together, laugh with each other, do something ridiculous or do just about anything together that makes both of you happy. Such actions create a sense of excitement that you and your partner will look forward to.

Get physical with your partner, such as kissing, holding hands, scratching the back or giving a hug, just to let your partner know that you love and care about them. Studies have shown that such physical affection increases the feel-good hormones, improves mood and releases stress. If you are in a long-distance relationship, call frequently and let the other person know that you are thinking of him or her. Small acts of physical intimacy – the hand on the small of the back as you brush by in the hallway, your arm around their shoulder on the sofa, your hand on their thigh when seated side-by-side, holding hands while walking down the street – give your partner a warm feeling and convey the love and affection you feel for them.

No human being is perfect! When your partner makes mistakes or is going through a hard time at work, show your physical and emotional support. Talk to your partner, give compliments often, listen when he or she is upset and help with work if you can. At the same time, don’t get too bossy and overbearing.

When you and your partner work toward the same cause, you are more likely to focus on each other’s positive side. Set common goals such as saving toward a vacation, your children’s college funds or anything else that is meaningful to both of you. Working harmoniously toward such goals can further strengthen your relationship. It's obvious what you need to do when your partner faces a major life challenge like the loss of a job or the death of a loved one. But it's just as important to be supportive when your partner faces life's little challenges, too – an argument at work, a rough commute, a misplaced check. Don't let yourself be a doormat, and don't stand for physical or verbal abuse, but thicken your skin a little and be the voice of calm and reason when chaos strikes. Listen to what's bothering them and offer whatever help – even if it's just sympathy – you can.

Relationships come with obligations. Be aware of them, and fulfill them to make your partner happy. At the same time, ensure that you’re not sacrificing your private space; you have to be happy, too. If you’re not comfortable with doing some things, talk about it with your partner.

Human beings are social animals, and communication is an innate need. Talk, text and message each other frequently to build a strong relationship. Be a good listener too, when your partner wants to share his or her day with you. In short, strong relationships do not just happen. Rather, you have to build them with love, passion, understanding, tolerance, acceptance and appreciation. Start today to become loving partners for life.

Successful couples can solve problems and let it go. They focus on taking care of the issue rather than attacking the person. Even when angry, they find ways to be upset and stay close at the same time. Once the matter is resolved, they forgive and forget. Most importantly, successful couples can learn and grow through their interpersonal difficulties. Like a fine wine, their relationship improves with age and gets better over time.

One of the traits of highly successful and enduring relationships is the partners’ ability to stand together in the face of external challenges. A true test of a relationship is whether two people have each other’s’ back when times are tough.

Love

Falling in love with an Ethiopian girl in Ethiopia is a good thing. The beauty of these girls is well-known. Ethiopian girls are probably one of the best people you will meet and have the luck of marrying. Their beauty is one of a kind, and it is not just external beauty. It is also one that makes a person feel comfortable and welcomed in their presence. A lot of men have tried to go to Ethiopia to meet Ethiopian girls. It is a very interesting place, and you will be able to learn a lot from this rich city. It may be a world apart from your hometown, but with an open mind and humble attitude, you will see that their customs are beautiful and that their culture is full of color.

Dating Ethiopian girls is another feat altogether. It may be a challenge to permeate that outer wall in the beginning, but once you get past that, it becomes an easier thing to do. Make sure to read up on their cultures first, and get advice from men who are active in the international dating scene and who know how to act in front of other ladies who have very disparate cultures. This will help you in breaking the ice and making an initial conversation. It would help if you are observant and understanding of their cultures and traditions. When she finally invites you over to meet her parents, be respectful and mindful of your behavior at all times.

They say the first impression lasts, and this is something that you should always abide by. Put your best foot forward and adjust to their little idiosyncrasies, even though you may not understand them at first. At the end of the day, you will be able to celebrate because the Ethiopian girls may feel the same, and one could fall in love with you as well. You will thank yourself for doing your best in the beginning.

How to Make Sure She Is the One

While everyone is looking for different traits in their life partners, there are some essential traits you should seek, from empathy to consistency. These traits help you both to understand and love each other.

One obvious sign that you're onto a winner is if you find yourself constantly daydreaming about a future together with your girlfriend. If the idea of getting married, having kids, buying a house or embarking on a long-term project together fills you with joy rather than dread, you should take that as a sign that your relationship has the potential to last the ages. If you're not sure whether your girlfriend is the one, imagine taking on a serious commitment that will bind you together for at least the next five to 10 years'. Listen to your gut: your body will let you know whether things are right or wrong.

It's easy to find your partner attractive when you first start dating. Hormones are flying, the relationship is full of novelty, and you've yet to discover your partner's most grating bathroom habits. But this rush of initial attraction will inevitably fade if you don't have enough basic compatibility to keep each other interested — intellectually, emotionally and sexually. Once you've established a baseline physical attraction, personality is what keeps you wanting to remain physically intimate, so if you've found someone who keeps you engaged on every level, that's a sure sign you're on to a keeper.

If you're going to be with your partner for a long duration, you're going to need to be able to endure life's hardships together. Life is not always smooth sailing, and neither are relationships, so being able to weather the down times with a sense of humor is a must. Of course, it's not all doom and gloom, and a sense of humor also makes life's high points even more blissful. Either way, being able to laugh together is crucially important, so if you've found someone who can make you see the lighter side of life, hold on to her.

Life gets pretty boring if you can't occasionally chew the fat until dawn with someone you care about, and who better to do that with than your live-in, long-term partner? If you and your current girlfriend can't sustain a conversation about topics deeper than today's weather for longer than 20 minutes at a time, you probably haven't found your soul mate.

Even if all other factors in your relationship are pointing towards long-term compatibility, you need to want roughly the same things out of life for the relationship to last. If you have major differences in terms of your set-in-stone plans, you're going to have to call the relationship a day at some point or else make some pretty significant compromises. If you don't mind changing your mind on the big issues, or if you've found someone who has more or less the same life plan as you do, that's another solid sign that you've landed the one.

While there's no need to be 100% aligned on every issue, you and your girlfriend should be in basic agreement about your core values. If you have fundamental disagreements about politics, religion or your principles, it may cause rifts in your relationship that will be difficult to overcome through the usual methods that can fix more minor relationship grievances; communication and compromise. No one can expect you to completely overhaul your moral code to better fit into their lives, and you shouldn't be asking that of anyone, either, so make sure that you're on the same page, to begin with. If you and your girlfriend tend to stand for the same things, that's a good sign your relationship will last the distance.

There comes a certain point in a relationship where you need to decide whether you'll introduce your girlfriend to your friends and family. A certain level of the intermingling of your worlds is inevitable even in fairly casual relationships — it's not a huge deal for a partner you're not certain about to have met some of your friends, for example — but meeting family, and in particular your parents, is usually a sign you're looking to take things to the next level.

Marriage

The revised Family Code 2000 sets 18 years as the minimum legal age of marriage. However, the Minister of Justice may grant a dispensation for individuals to marry at 16 years upon application by themselves or their parents/guardians. Girls often also marry before 18 years in religious and customary marriages. The law, however, is not effectively enforced; nearly 20% of girls are married by the age of 15. Early childhood marriage is especially common in rural areas, where some girls are married as young as 7 years old.

In earlier times, before two persons conclude marriage, they would go through the process of betrothal. Mainly the betrothal was concluded between the parents of the future spouses. Betrothal is defined under article 560 of the civil code as a contract between the members of two families that a marriage shall take place between two persons, the fiancé and the fiancée, belonging to these two families. Hence, under the Civil Code, the betrothal contract is to be concluded between family members of the future spouses and more emphasis is given to the choice, consent and interest of these family members rather than the future spouses.

Moreover, in many circumstances, the practice shows that betrothal was concluded when the future spouses are underage and sometimes not yet born. This means the interest and choice of future spouses was not considered at all.

Today, the law in Ethiopian law recognizes 3 types of marriages.

The first type is a civil marriage. For a marriage to be considered as being concluded before an officer of civil status, a man and a woman need to appear before the officer to conclude marriage and give their respective consent to enter into marriage. Hence, the phrase civil marriage refers to the fact that the marriage has been solemnized in front of an officer who is empowered to accept the consent of parties wishing to enter into marriage.

The second type of marriage which is given recognition by the RFC is a religious marriage. Under article 3 of the RFC, a religious marriage takes place when a man and a woman have performed such acts or rites as deemed to constitute a valid marriage by their religion or by the religion of one of them. As a result, the formal requirements for the conclusion of religious marriage are dictated by the religion itself.

The third type of marriage is a customary marriage. Ethiopia is a nation which is believed to be home for more than eighty nationalities. These different nationalities have their peculiar customs. The diversity in the customs of the people has been recognized by the 1995 FDRE Constitution. According to the law, custom marriage takes place when a man and a woman have performed such rites as deemed to constitute valid marriage by the custom of the community in which they live or by the custom of the community to which they belong or to which one of them belongs. One important thing which needs to be noted here is that for a marriage to be concluded according to custom, the custom referred to is of three: the custom of the community in which they live, or the custom of the community to which both future spouses belong or to which one of them belongs.

Wedding

Arranged marriages are still common in parts of Ethiopia like Amhara and Tigray. The virginity of the bride is very much valued especially in rural communities. Family approval of the marriage is still important. It is also important that a bride and groom are not blood-related in five generations."Telosh" is a traditional Ethiopian event held two days before the wedding. A groom and his family members bring various presents to the bride. These presents include a wedding dress and jewelry. Others gathered there can also give some presents.

On the morning of the wedding day, both the bride and groom get ready for the wedding. The groom and his best man arrive at the bride's home. When they arrive they hear a traditional song according to which no stranger is allowed to enter the house. After a few minutes of kind words by the groom, he is allowed to get in. He then gives his bride some flowers. She accepts them and kisses her future husband. The couple then walks to their car. Others enter their vehicles too. They drive to some nice place where numerous photographs are made. In some Ethiopian villages at 6.00 a.m., a groom takes his bride to the wedding ceremony on a mule. In most situations, cars are used.

Two-thirds of the Ethiopian population is Christian. The rest of its people are Muslims. So, religious weddings in Ethiopia are either Christian or Muslim. The wedding reception starts with the welcoming of the newlyweds by their grandparents dressed in traditional clothes. The bride and groom walk towards and kiss their knees. The grandparents and parents then bless the couple. When the couple moves further in the wedding venue towards the place where they will seat everybody stands up and welcomes them with a song. The flower girls throw flower petals in front of the couple.

Unlike the case in other communities, the engagement happens during the wedding reception. In this ceremony, the couple cuts the cake and rings are exchanged. There is some champagne too. A bride also throws candies to the people present at the reception. The couple then goes from table to table and takes photographs with the guests. After that, it is time for some dancing. The couple dances their first dance. Other people start dancing too. It is a tradition that a member of the band reads messages to the couple by those unable to attend the wedding.

The next event on the wedding day is a dinner organized by the groom's parents. Probably the most famous Ethiopian dish served at weddings is "kitfo". This dish is made of raw or cooked minced beef. Everyone drinks traditional Ethiopian beverage known as "tej".

In Ethiopia, there is a tradition called "gursha" where family members and friends feed each other in a way that shows emotions. The "gursha" happens at weddings too. There is no Ethiopian wedding without "meles". It is held on a day after the wedding. In this event, the couple wears traditional clothes known as the "kaba". A loaf of bread is cut. A bride's mother gives a nickname to her daughter. The wedding festivities end on the third day. A special event for all those who were not able to arrive at the wedding is held. This event is called "kelekel". The bride's and groom's parents bless their children.

Now they can start their new life together. The honeymoon in Ethiopia has a slightly different meaning from that in other cultures. For those poor, it lasts for a week. The rich can extend it to up to three months. Until sunset, the bride stays at home. After that, she can go out but the best woman must be with her

Family Life

Family is the most important aspect of Ethiopians’ lives. It forms the basis of people’s support networks, with relatives often being mutually reliant on one another to meet every day. The importance of family ties means that many Ethiopians feel a strong obligation to support kin that may seem ‘distantly’ related by Western standards. For example, an Ethiopian person living in an English-speaking Western country may prioritize sending money back to extended family members overseas over building their savings. In some cases, entire communities can be dependent (directly or indirectly) on the provisions of an immigrant living overseas.

The basic household structure is traditionally large, multigenerational and patrilocal. It is customary for the wife to move in with her husband’s family at marriage. The average Ethiopian household usually consists of three generations: the eldest couple, their sons, sons’ wives and any unmarried daughters, and the grandchildren from their married sons. However, many people may live in nuclear families in cities or other countries. Sons are often encouraged to find their land and, in urban areas, they usually aim to move out of their parents' houses with their wives. However, resources are still shared between family members even when children move out of the home.

Ethiopians usually have multiple children. In urban areas, the minimum is generally four or more, and in rural areas, the number can be much higher. However, the government has put a lot of effort into promoting family planning considering the high population and lack of resources.

Household dynamics can vary significantly between the different ethnicities, regions and religions of Ethiopia. Furthermore, ideas of adulthood and/or the coming of age of children can vary between ethnicities and genders. For example, while the age of consent and adulthood is legally 18, ideas of maturity may vary in rural areas where notable lifecycle events such as circumcision or marriage are also taken into account.

The rules of a family are very important and are expected to be followed. Throughout all sectors of Ethiopian society, parents and elders are highly respected. Therefore, a child is expected to never talk back at their parents. If a child is disobedient, corporal punishment is a common form of discipline in Ethiopia. Most individuals’ decisions continue to be influenced by their parents in adulthood, especially for women. In rural areas, parents have even more authority. Elder family members expect to be cared for by their children and grandchildren into their old age.

Regions

Afar

Amhara

Benishangul-Gumaz

Gambela

Oromia

Somali

Southern Ethiopia

Tigray

Cities

Addis Ababa – capital of Ethiopia and one of the biggest shopping cities in Africa
Adama (also known as Nazret or Nazareth) – a popular weekend destination near Addis
Axum (Aksum) – home of ancient tombs and stelae fields, in the far north near Eritrea
Bahir Dar – the monasteries on the islands of Lake Tana and close to the beautiful Blue Nile Falls
Dire Dawa – the second largest city; in the east
Gondar – some of East Africa's only castles
Harar – ancient walled city near Dire Dawa
Lalibela – home to 11 astonishing rock-hewn churches
Mekele – a town in the Tigrayan Highlands in the north