Language/Amharic/Culture/Dating-and-Romantic-Relationships
Dating (the way it is done in the western culture now) among boys and girls was introduced to Ethiopian life recently. However, in the rural societies boys and girls practice romantic friendship called የከንፈር ወዳጅነት yäkänfär wädajïnät, literally means “lip friendship” similar to boy-and-girl-friendship. This usually doesn’t go beyond kissing (not in the open) and exchange of love lyrics in public ceremonies and weddings. For some, this relationship may lead to marriage.
Traditionally, marriages were arranged by the parents with the help of elder intermediaries called ሽማግሌ šïmagïle. Today dating is becoming common among young people in bigger towns. Preparatory and college students in particular widely practice this modern kind of relationship.
Ethiopians are not direct in love affairs. Girls are particularly indirect in this regard. Girls are not expected to express their interest to the guys they are attracted to. Most of the time the male takes the initiative and the female’s role is just to accept or to refuse. Women are not expected to accept the invitation immediately, either. Rather, they can show their interest not verbally but by using body language such as smiling. Whatever the response may be, the male for his part is not expected to give up his attempt till he gets her acceptance. This may cause some issues for volunteers, as the refusal of a relationship is not always accepted by a pursuing man. Therefore, one must be very strong and clear about his or her disinterest in starting a relationship.
Source
https://www.livelingua.com/peace-corps/Amharic/Amharic%20Peace%20Corps%20Language%20Manual-2015.pdf