A man who bleaches his skin is a major turn-off for me

In a recent episode of Asentena Pa, hosted by Akoto Mansa, a lively discussion ensued about the qualities men and women find appealing or unattractive in each other.

The conversation, which featured young panellists Ida Osei Tutu and Ekow Mankatah, touched on the importance of physical appearance and personal habits and how these factors influence attraction in relationships.

Ida Osei Tutu, a key voice on the panel, was candid about what she considers unattractive in a man. “It’s disappointing when people focus too much on appearance and forget to look deeper, at things like intelligence and character,” she shared. “While preferences may vary among women, there are some common expectations that we all seem to share.”

One of the main qualities that Ida emphasized as a major turn-off was a man who bleaches his skin. “For me, a man who’s bleached his skin would never catch my attention, let alone get my contact information,” she said.

“And I believe this sentiment resonates with many women. It’s just not appealing.” The topic of skin bleaching has been a significant conversation in many African societies, where self-image and societal pressures can sometimes lead individuals to alter their natural appearance.

Beyond looks, Ida underscored the importance of personal hygiene. “A man who smells good and takes care of himself is always going to be more appealing. It’s simple—grooming matters,” she explained.

However, she didn’t hold back on her views about those who neglect their personal hygiene. “When a man doesn’t make an effort to look or smell good, it becomes an immediate turn-off. A little effort goes a long way.”

Another key point she raised was ambition. “A man who doesn’t have any drive or work ethic is a huge turn-off for me,” Ida admitted. “I need someone who can match my energy, someone who is striving for more and wants to be successful. I don’t want someone who is complacent.”

On the other side of the discussion, Ekow Mankatah shared his perspective on what men find unattractive in women. One point he made was about personal hygiene, particularly unpleasant odours.

“For men, a woman who has an unpleasant smell is definitely a dealbreaker. Hygiene is non-negotiable,” he remarked. “It’s something that should be maintained at all times.”

Mankatah also highlighted the importance of respect in communication. “Rudeness is a major turn-off. A woman who is rude to others, especially in public, is not going to impress any man,” he noted.

He went on to mention that respect goes a long way, both in relationships and general interactions. “Men appreciate women who are respectful, who can communicate effectively without being disrespectful. I’ve even known men who have left their wives because of rude behaviour.”

The discussion also touched on fashion choices, with Mankatah noting that men are often drawn to women who dress in a way that flatters their body type.

“Women tend to know what works for them,” he explained. “When a woman dresses well and suits her body type, it shows that she cares about her appearance. But poor fashion choices that don’t highlight her shape can definitely be a turn-off.”

In their candid discussion, both Ida and Mankatah pointed out that beyond physical traits, the way one carries oneself—through personal care, ambition, and respect—plays a significant role in attraction.

This reflects a deeper understanding of how individuals perceive each other in the context of relationships.