Everyone who is goth has had their start in the culture. It isn't easy. And it isn't acceptable in the goth culture to wake up one and throw on a load of black and call yourself goth. The way to do it, to be truely accepted in the goth culture, is to start off slow. Like most things in life, it takes time.

1. READ A BOOK OR TWO!
There are plenty of books that explain the goth culture. So, go into the scene a little bit prepared

2. Surround yourself with people of the goth culture.
We accept alot of people. Well, true goths do. We mostly get annoyed easily though, so you gotta be a little bit mature.

3. OBSERVE!
While hanging out with goth kids, take mental notes on how they act and dress. Now, I'm not saying duplicate yourself to be just like them. Because each goth may dress similar and share similar interests(Why do you think we hang out in groups?) But their personalities are unique. Be yourself. And being gothic isn't really you, then stop reading now.

4. Drift into the clothing.
If you like what goths wear and if you think you look good in it, then wear it! Don't go around sporting an Avenged Sevenfold shirt if you don't like them. If you're gonna conform to the goth culture, then you have to be comfortable.

5. Don't overdo it.
You're still a newb. So don't go flying off the handle and come in looking like a mixture between Brandon Lee and Gene Simmons. Just trust me on this one. I've been there

Now, this is if you wanna be a true goth. If you wanna be like all them wannabe goths at the mall, then you can dive right in and disregard all the rules and nobody will say a word.

Learn more about this author, Steve Haymire.
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